Brett Nihart

Brett Allen Nihart, age 55, passed away unexpectedly at Memorial Hospital of South Bend on March 8, 2026. Brett was born November 13, 1970, in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Penn High School and later Ivy Tech College. He was employed as a maintenance assistant at the University of Notre Dame, where he took great pride in his work, especially helping prepare the court and Joyce Center for the basketball team. Brett was known as a hard worker and was well loved by his coworkers.

On May 16, 2003, he married Jennette Magtibay, and together they shared over 22 years of love and laughter. Brett cherished his time with Jennette, whether traveling to the Philippines to visit her family and the many friends he made there, or simply going out to dinner, with a favorite stop being Jersey Mike's Subs. He often spoke of his hope to one day spend his retirement years in the Philippines.

In his spare time, Brett enjoyed fishing, reading, learning, and keeping up with current events. He was a talented musician who loved playing and collecting guitars, and he and his friends spent many memorable evenings together during jam sessions in his dad’s barn. He also enjoyed garage sales and could always appreciate a good find. At home, Brett loved spending time with his beloved pets, especially his cat, “Ricky-Boy,” and his dog Zoey and Holly, who preceded him in death.

Family meant everything to Brett. He shared a special bond with his grandfather, Robert W. Bell, who helped raise him and remained a steady and meaningful presence in his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jennette Nihart; his father, Warren Nihart; his mother, Rebecca Bell; and his fur babies, Reuben and Ricky. Also surviving are his sister, Peggy (Eric) Kellerman; his nieces and nephews, Joshua (Stephanie) Demske, McKayla Demske, Brandy Gilson, Brooklynn Miller, Brian Miller, Brandon Miller, Breanna Miller, Ben Miller, Arcadius Kellerman, Jason Magtibay, Alexia Magtibay, Chloe Magtibay and Daniel Delos Reyes; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews. Brett was preceded in death by his sister, Wendy Warren, his grandparents, Robert W. and Velda Bell, and his beloved dogs, Zoey and Holly.

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Sacred Heart Parish on the campus of Notre Dame. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with his care.

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