Patrick Bruetsch, distinguished Detroit attorney dies, 71

Patrick Bruetsch, 71, distinguished Detroit attorney for 35-plus years, passed away on St. Patrick’s Day 2019 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Bruetsch was born and raised in the Detroit area. He received his BA and MA degrees from the University of Detroit and his law degree, graduating first in his class, from Detroit College of Law (Michigan State University). He began practicing law in 1977, specializing in personal injury, torts, and business litigation. Prior to practicing law, he was an educator and parochial school principal.

Bruetsch was a man of many interests and talents. He played keyboard in his band, 42nd Street Crossing, during his high school and college days. He enjoyed carpentry and home remodeling and creating unique Halloween costumes for his kids. He enjoyed power boating in the Great Lakes, cycling U.S. and European trails, and family activities and trips.

He gave countless hours to professional and community volunteer efforts, working with nonprofit groups, such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Life Direction, Detroit Power Squadron and Habitat for Humanity. He was forced to slow down when diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2013.

He will be missed by his wife of 50 years, Diane, son Thomas (Wendy), daughter Caroline (Evan Howell), grandchildren Jacob (17) and Jordan (15) Bruetsch and Lauren (12) and Caden (9) Howell, his sister Anne, brothers John, Thomas and Robert, nephews Adam, Evan and Benjamin Bruetsch, and by his many friends.

Bruetsch was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Eleanor Bruetsch and by his brother, Joseph Bruetsch III.

His Celebration of Life is at the Detroit Yacht Club on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 25800 W. Ten Mile Rd., Southfield, MI. 48033 at 2:30 p.m.
For those desiring, contributions in memory of Bruetsch may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org/georgia/donate, to Habitat for Humanity at www.habitat.org/donate, or to Chalfonte Foundation, 4452 St Antoine St, #203, Detroit, MI 48201