Obituary of Richard Brechlin

Richard Allen Brechlin "Rick" Age 62, of Morris, formerly of Lisle, Ill., peacefully entered into eternal rest at home on Sunday, September 19, 2010. He was born on March 31, 1948, in Rock Island, Ill., son of Charles and Elizabeth Brechlin. After elementary education at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Belleville, Ill., and secondary education at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, Ill., Richard graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Following a period of education in seminary at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, Wis., he met and later married Patricia Kivi, with whom he enjoyed more than thirty years of marriage beginning with their wedding on October 12, 1979. He employed his education in building a long and successful career in banking, a career which culminated in becoming executive vice president and treasurer of First Federal Savings & Loan in Westchester, Ill., before an early retirement in 1998. After leaving the banking industry, he co-founded Alloy Specialties, Inc., a metalworking and fabrication shop located in Ransom, Ill., with his longtime friend, James Coonan. Richard was a tireless advocate of education, faith and service, utilizing his talents and passions in serving on the school board of St. Joan of Arc School in Lisle, as well as performing as a Catechism teacher at the same school. His commitment to doing his best to improve the lives of others was perhaps best demonstrated by his decision to adopt two children from Russia in 1997; upon discovery that the children had another sister still at the orphanage, he then moved to adopt her in 2000. He strongly believed in the adage of Luke 12:48: "For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required." Surviving are his wife, Patricia, of Morris; his brothers Tom (Bernard (Cindy) Brechlin, of Lisle, Ill., and Ann) Brechlin of Downers Grove, Ill.; his sons Timothy (Keturah) Brechlin, of Middleton, Wis., and Nikolai Brechlin, of Hancock, Wis.; his daughters Maria Brechlin, of Hancock, Wis., and Natalya Brechlin, of Morris; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth, and his brothers, Charles and Donald. Funeral services for Richard A. Brechlin will be Friday, September 24, 2010 at 9:45 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Morris. In lieu of flowers, Richard's family requests that memorials be made in his name to St. Joan of Arc School in Lisle, Illinois. Visitation Thursday, 2-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 1201 W. Rt. 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris For information (815) 942-5040