Gregory Holbrook

Gregory Holbrook was born on August 29, 1953, to Garrett and Esta Holbrook in Detroit, Michigan. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous struggle with cancer.

Greg was a dedicated and compassionate man, deeply rooted in both family and community, a resident of Trenton, Michigan for almost his entire life. He built a successful roofing business to provide for those he loved and remained generous to a fault, working tirelessly even from his hospital bed with a BiPAP mask on his face.

In his downtime, Greg loved riding his four-wheeler anywhere it could take him, collecting coins and quirky gold-coated memorabilia, striking up conversations with strangers (many of whom became friends), and cheering on his kids and grandkids at their sporting events. He worshiped at church, frequented his favorite local diners, and enjoyed countless movies, shows, and games with his siblings and children.

Greg supported his children, grandchildren, and his wife of 47 years, Betty Jo Holbrook, in all their creative pursuits. Whether retrofitting the garage into a ceramic studio, showing up for concerts and church performances, or encouraging us to keep painting, welding, and making music, he was the proud patron of the Holbrook-Ottenbreit arts and music collective.

A respected businessman and contractor, Greg’s word was his bond, and his craftsmanship was trusted and true.

He was also a nurturer, helping each of his daughters through difficult times, both physically and emotionally. In his final months, our siblings Emily and Joe cared for him with extraordinary love and devotion in their home, supported by the wide net of care he helped weave in our family.

Greg could also be stubborn and larger-than-life in the most unforgettable ways, and we loved him unconditionally.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Esta and Garrett Holbrook; his brothers, Larry, Gary, and Harold Holbrook; and his sister, Brenda Morton. He is survived by his daughters and grandchildren:

Natalie and Tashiena Holbrook-Combs, and Willa Sea, Emily and Joe Ottenbreit, with Jonah and Maria, Micah and Ryleigh, and Ayla Elizabeth, Elizabeth and Adam Ottenbreit, with Vera Jayne and Luka.

He is also survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Elizabeth "Betty Jo" Holbrook; his siblings Patricia (Ron) Karagitz, Ronald Holbrook, Wendell (Becky) Holbrook, and Linda McCarty; many nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Greg; and countless friends, including more than a few restaurateurs, servers, and fellow regulars.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, until we see him again in heaven.