History of Brutsche Concrete
In the early years, Joe delivered vaults to the cemeteries in the Battle Creek area with a team of horses whose names were Pat and Mike. Later, around 1915, they were replaced with the business’ first truck, a “Federal.” The first real growth of the business was in 1918, which saw an increased demand for burial vaults due to a major flu epidemic. At this point, the areas of service were still relegated to Battle Creek and its neighboring towns.
In 1922, Joe’s son Earl joined the business, which was now known as Joe Brutsche and Son Vault Company. An addition was put on the 10 year old building that year which included more floor space, but more importantly, the first electricity, running water and coal fired boiler were installed.
Hard times came for the vault company. Although still growing, the Great Depression came on in the 1930’s and the tough economic times led to difficulty collecting on services rendered. The 1940’s saw the death of Joe Brutsche (1941) and also World War II. Materials used to manufacture vaults were now harder than ever to get because everything was going to the war effort. Much care had to be taken in regards to trucks and other equipment during this time to make sure they lasted until the war was over. Replacements were not available.
In 1946, the third generation joined the company - Earl Jr. Over the next 40 years, he grew and diversified the business which is now known as Brutsche Concrete Products. His son, Tim, who started working for the business in 1976, took on more responsibilities until, his father Earl Jr. stepped aside. After being strictly a concrete product manufacturer for many years, 1983 saw the first crematory installed at Brutsche Concrete. Today there are 9 human and 1 pet crematory spread across 4 locations throughout the state of Michigan. This was only a natural progression with the increasing rate at which families are choosing cremation for their loved ones.
The fifth generation of Brutsche’s has come into the business over the past few years. Tim’s sons Mick and Ken, purchased the business from their father in 2017. Since then, new products like PoleBase have made their way into production.
Brutsche Concrete Products strives to be an industry leader in all forms of service to their customers, but this would not be possible without the dedication of our employees. Over the years, we have been blessed with quality people in all areas of the company who have worked hard in order to grow and preserve the business. Ever since 1910, where 17 burial vaults were sold, to today, Brutsche Concrete Products has grown and served its customers in greater Michigan.
Areas Served
Brutsche Concrete of MI provides burial vaults and cremation urns to the following counties in Michigan: Allegan, Arenec, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Livingston, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren and Washtenaw.
Contact Us
Services
Set Up
Wilbert offers two types of burial set ups, Wilbert Way (WW) and Above Ground with Lowering Device (AL). Both set ups consists of an above ground seal and a lowering device, also known as The Wilbert Way Lowering Device. The difference in the two set ups is in the placement of the vault and the vault cover during the funeral service.
Grass & Chairs
For those who are interested, grass and chairs are available as an additional service to families who would like a graveside service or an extra amenity at the burial site. Six pieces of grass and six folding chairs will typically cover a gravesite area and will be neatly arranged under the tents. Wilbert Burial Vault manages the delivery, setup, and removal of the grass and chairs
Tents
A 14x14 tent is set by Brutsche Concrete at the gravesite for funeral services. The tents cover the burial area and provide a comfortable place for families to gather during the funeral. At the end of the funeral, the tent is removed.
Nameplate
Nameplates give burial vaults a personalized touch. They are a standard feature of Monticello vaults and above. For an extra charge, nameplates can be added to the Monarch grave liners. The nameplate includes the name of the deceased and the birth and death dates..
Disinterment Services
Brutsche Concrete provides disinterment services. If it becomes necessary to move an interred vault from one location to another, we can assist with these services. We handle everything from locating the vault to relocating the vault to a new location. Please contact the office for a quote, and complete the form linked below.
CEM Disinterment Authorization and Release Form
Vault Transfer
Vault Transfer is a service available between Wilbert franchises and dealers. Brutsche Concrete utilizes a vault transfer service when a burial request has been made outside of the normal territory. The location of the cemetery is needed to determine the appropriate Wilbert franchise or dealer. Since the services offered by each Wilbert franchise vary, the franchises work together on a per burial basis to determine the services, such as tents, grass, chairs, and grave digging, that each franchise will provide for the burial.
First Responders
When a hero falls, Wilbert is there.
Our “Commemorating First Responders” program provides families of firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel who have died in the line of duty with a tribute worthy of their valor and sacrifice.
At no charge to the family, Wilbert and our licensees donate a customized Wilbert Stainless Steel Triune® burial vault. If the choice is cremation, we offer a selection of four urns, as well as a Stainless Steel Triune urn vault for memorial tribute. If permitted, a WilbertWay® graveside service may also be included.
Join us as we help families honor heroic lives, sacrificed in valiant service to neighbor and community.
Contact your local funeral professional for more information.
Ultimate Service Provider
There are four service levels: Minimum Service, Basic Service, Premium Service, and Ultimate Service Provider. To be classified as an Ultimate Service Provider, one must receive at least 75 points out of 88 points; a higher score is attainable when bonus points are earned for exceptional achievements. Points are collected by category, including tents, chairs, greens, Wilbert Way, lowering device, vaults, employees, and trucks and delivery. Brutsche Concrete surpassed the 75 points needed to obtain Ultimate Service Provider.
