Colleen Marie Briske Ferguson, a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to family.

Born on October 16, 1959, the daughter of Karl and Carol Ann Briske, Colleen was raised as one of ten children in a close-knit family that helped shape her strong values, compassionate heart, and enduring faith. From an early age, she carried a natural sense of responsibility, care for others, and a quiet strength that would define her life.

Colleen built her life around faith and family. She married her husband, David Ferguson, and together they created a loving home while raising a blended family of eight children. What could have been overwhelming became something extraordinary through her patience, grace, and unconditional love. Their home was a place of structure, warmth, and belonging, where meals were shared, prayers were spoken, and each child was nurtured with intention.
A woman led by her faith, Colleen lived out her beliefs daily. She instilled in her family the importance of honesty, accountability, discipline, and unity. She was a steady presence, a prayerful leader, and a guiding light to those around her.

Colleen was also known for her creativity and artistic spirit. She had a deep love for music, storytelling, and the arts. As an exceptional author and thoughtful communicator she wrote several books, including one that is published, as well as a series ready for publication, also completing her final book just recently, she also had a following through her "Life Expanded" online blog, she had a unique ability to express love through words. She was especially known for creating heartfelt tributes for her children and grandchildren, pairing meaningful reflections with carefully chosen photos, leaving behind memories that will be cherished for generations.
Above all, Colleen's greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply and selflessly, embracing not only her own children but all those placed in her life as her own.

She was a caretaker, a counselor, and a source of comfort, offering support in times of sickness, guidance in times of uncertainty, and love in every season of life.

Colleen is survived by: her husband, David J Ferguson Sr.; her children, Jessica (Thomas) Wickens, Rebecca (Daniel) Wickens-Abratte, Wesley (Rebecca) Wickens, Ivan (Alyson) Wickens, Cassandra (Jimmie) Ferguson, DJ (Maria) Ferguson, Royce Ferguson, and Therran Ferguson; grandchildren, Filip, Isabelle, Soren, Reyna, Kora, Ella, Harper, Olivia, Boe-Lillian, Ndio, Aanjii, Cameron, Finley, Petronella, Brayden, Landon, Elijah, and Judson; her mother, Carol Ann Briske; siblings, Cosette (James) Schaefer, Cindy (Robert) Paetschow, Carla (Byron) Morris, Camela (Mark) Kusibab, Conni (Joseph) McGlynn, Kirby (Amelia) Briske, Kerry (David) Mackeller-Briske, Kasey Briske, & Kortney Briske; and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by: her father, Karl Briske; and son, Rudy Wickens.
Though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the faith she modeled, and the love she gave so freely. Her impact will continue to be felt through the generations she helped shape.

A memorial service to celebrate Colleen's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Good Shephard Evangelical Lutheran Church, 521 Cypress Street Manistee, MI 49660, with visitation taking place at 10:00 AM until time of time of service, and a luncheon to follow.

In honoring her life, we remember a woman who lived with purpose, loved without condition, and leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manistee, is in charge of arrangements.

www.oakgrovefh.com