Brad Michael Banfield - Marshall, MI

Brad Michael Banfield (51) entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his home in Marshall surrounded by his loving family.

Brad was born on April 30, 1969, to Mark and Janet (Place) Banfield. Growing up, some of Brad's most cherished memories came from camping and trail riding horses with his family and friends. He loved spending time outdoors with his brothers whether it was shooting BB guns, riding minibikes/ATVs, or playing football. Brad also enjoyed time spent at the Calhoun County Fair as a member of the 4-H Beef and Horse Clubs. Later in life, he enjoyed helping his own kids with their 4-H animals including goats, sheep, horses, and dairy starter calves. He was a big fan of the Miami Dolphins, hunting, RC cars, country music, and of course, anything automotive!

Brad started working as a teenager picking stones and helping with chores at his Uncle Mike and Aunt Jeannette Flynn's farm as well as the farm of Don and Virginia Furu. He later worked delivering salt and running the carwash for D & D Water Care. All this hard work was to save up for his first vehicle. Although Brad was known for buying and selling many vehicles over the years, his first truck, the gun metal blue 1972 Chevy stepside was perhaps the most memorable. He loved racing cars, riding the dunes at Silver Lake, and cruising downtown Marshall. Whether he was installing a lift kit, putting on new wheels and tires, or modifying his exhaust, Brad made sure his vehicles were always "dialed in."

After graduating from Marshall High School in 1987, Brad attended Ferris State University and earned an associates degree in automotive technology. Joining his older brother Brian in Wilmington, North Carolina, Brad got a job as a service writer at Tallberg Chevrolet. Upon returning to Michigan in 1992, Brad worked various jobs at Kiessling Farms, Banfield Automotive, his own B's Detailing and Auto Accessories, and Eaton Corporation. Ultimately, he opened his own business, Fountain Automotive, coming full circle as this was the location of one of Brad's early jobs as a teenager when the business was Walter's Tire Shop. Brad never shied away from hard work, and he was so proud that his son Braden is following in his footsteps and managing the shop.

Brad married his high school sweetheart Vicki (Kiessling) on July 13, 1991. They shared 29 wonderful years of marriage. Together they also shared in the joy of raising three amazing children, Braden, Sydney, and Zoie. Brad was completely dedicated to his kids. He passed on to them his love of animals, cars, and sports. He was their biggest fan on the sidelines, in the audience, and in the stands. He even made it on stage once to share a very special father/daughter dance with his youngest. Brad made sure to fill their lives with laughter and fun. Vacations with family and friends were especially memorable. Despite his illness, Brad added to these memories by driving his family to Arizona and later Tennessee. He never complained and kept his sense of humor until the very end. As a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Brad grew in his faith and knew that God would handle everything. Brad was a role model as a giving community member, an honest business owner, a dependable friend, a caring family member, a devoted father, and a loyal husband.


Brad is survived and forever loved by his wife Vicki, son Braden, daughters Sydney and Zoie, mother Janet, father Mark, and brothers Brian and Brandon (Claire) all of Marshall. His numerous in-laws and extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends were a huge part of his life. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Samuel and Ruth Banfield and maternal grandparents Leon and Louise Place.


Friends may visit the family from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. The family requests that those in attendance go inside the funeral home for the viewing and then step outside to continue visiting with family and friends. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home's outside venue under the portico near the rear entrance at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020. Rev. David Boedecker will officiate the service with interment to follow in Oakridge Cemetery. **Due to Covid-19 and the Governor's Executive Order the funeral service is limited to 100 people. Memorial contributions may be given to Oaklawn Hospice, or Michigan Education Savings Program, for the benefit of his daughters Sydney and Zoie Banfield. To donate to the Michigan Education Savings Program please visit https://www.ugift529.com/ and enter the code G42-V7C for Syndey or J06-U8K for Zoie. Assistance with memorials is also provided at the funeral home. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the on line obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.