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Kevin Bretz Obituary
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Kevin Daniel Bretz, age 33, of Chicago, passed away from stroke complications on November 9, 2022. Kevin was born on November 29, 1988 in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where as a member of the Frontiers International Health Society, he helped distribute medicine to impoverished communities in Lima, Peru. He enjoyed living and working in Chicago, where he pursued ventures in music, theater, and the arts, and previously worked as a research assistant for the Hope Learning Academy.
With a lifelong passion for learning, Kevin could often be found reading from his vast collection of classic novels or scouring a variety of topics on Wikipedia. He also loved comedy, and studied acting and improv at Chicago's Second City and Annoyance theaters.
As a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, and a cousin, family was always most important to him. Kevin is survived by his parents, Joe and Barbara Bretz of Oswego, IL, and his brothers Matt (Brittany) Bretz of Oswego, and Mark (Elizabeth) of San Diego, CA. Also surviving are his niece, Katelyn, and nephews Noah, Joey, and Dawson, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Maxine Bretz, and Carl and Marge Bagge, as well as his beloved dog Ginger, hamster Burger King, and goldfish Neptune and Neptune, Jr.
Kevin's faith in God grew stronger over the years and he was a very kind and gentle human being. He felt strong empathy for others, especially for those who were marginalized.
Kevin's family will meet with friends and family on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Learning Academy at hope.us/ways-to-help/donate/.
The family has created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories, photos, and videos. For those of you that would have attended services and would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link above and you can leave the family a message, with the share a memory link.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kevin, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Susan Sitko
November 16, 2022
Dear Barb, Joe, Matt, Mark and family, it is with deepest sympathies that we send our condolences to all of you. We all are so saddened to learn of Kevin´s passing. We remember when he was born and watched him grow up. Even with his struggles, his wide smile and happy demeanor will always be remembered. Sending you all hugs and prayers for peace. The Sitko Family
Basia Rudy
November 14, 2022
I only had the pleasure of meeting you one time at Synapse house but I am lucky that I got to meet you that one time. Sending love and prayers to the family.
Andrew Miller
November 13, 2022
I went to college with Kevin, and although it has been years since we have spoken, I remember him to have a lot of passion. It was always nice to see him around the fraternity house, and join us in our many adventures at the house and around campus. I regret that I will never get the chance to reconnect, and continue our long discussions about various rock artists. He always had an interesting perspective. I will always remember him as being a highlight of my college memories.
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Floann Martinez
November 12, 2022
Dear Barb & Joe, Matt and Mark Families & Friends, Deeply Saddened to hear of Jeff´s illness and passing. His tremendous Gift of Loving Compassion and empathy for all a true blessing Praise God for His presence within Jeff as he witnessed in his many talents and personality. May you feel the Love surrounding you each as you share in sorrow and always in sweetest memories Floann Martinez
Patt and Maggie Patterson
November 12, 2022
Joe and Barb,
You and the rest of your family have our deepest sympathy.
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