Brian Jay Weber

Brian Jay Weber, 64, of Rochelle, Ill., died Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.
Born November 30, 1957 to Carl and Roberta (Meyer) Weber, Brian was raised in Polo, Ill. before studying music education at Northern Illinois University, where he met his wife and best friend, Terrell Joanne Vanatta. Brian and Terry were married on January 19, 1980 and would go on to build a rich life together with their four children in Rochelle, Ill.
Though Brian was employed for over 25 years by 3M in DeKalb, Ill. as a warehouse operator, his true passion was his work as a drummer, playing with several jazz bands, including such groups as Times Square, Johnnie Kaye & His Orchestra, Class Act II Big Band, and Shananigans Big Band. A skilled concert percussionist as well, Brian performed with different orchestras and concert bands too, including the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and multiple area municipal bands. He was also a dedicated educator, working both as a private lessons instructor and with the local high school drumline in Rochelle for many years.
Brian was a good friend to many and was a man who enjoyed history, particularly World War II-era history, loved animals--especially his late, beloved dog Boston the yellow lab, and truly loved being able to make music with all of his children. Beyond his love for playing the drums, Brian was also something of a "gear head" and could easily rattle off the drum kit specifications for many rock and jazz drummers, much like others memorized sports statistics. He loved frequenting music stores and drum shows and amassed quite a large personal collection of drums over the years.
Brian is survived by his wife, Terry; four children Brandon (Andrea), Adam (Julie), Colin (Catherine), and Merideth; three grandchildren, Grace, David, and Remington; and three brothers-in-law, Bill (Jacque) Vanatta, Randy (Marcy) Vanatta, and Ron (Carla) Vanatta.
He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, David and Elvina Weber and Harper and Gladys Meyer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for a fund to be established.
A Celebration of Life will be held later in the summer, a chance to give Brian a musical send off fitting of his life's passion. Please look for further details to be shared at a later time.
Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Sycamore, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave condolences.
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