Johan Marco Horstik Brenes

Born on August 27, 2012, in Boston, Massachusetts, Johan was the beloved only son and first-born child of Max Brenes and Marika Ann Horstik Brenes. A seventh-grade student at Alston Ridge Middle School, Johan radiated warmth and light, bringing joy to everyone he met. With an open heart, a showman’s presence, and an undeniable zest for life, he made the world around him brighter. His mama called him her sunshine. His two little sisters thought he hung the moon.

Johan had a deep love for soccer and played at the NCFC Classic level in North Carolina, as well as for JP Youth Soccer in Boston before his family moved. On and off the field, he was known for his selflessness—always sharing glory, lifting up his teammates, and checking in on others. His kindness extended far beyond the game. Among his classmates, he was affectionately known as “the therapist” for his ability to listen, empathize, and offer support. Johan had business savvy and was always looking for creative ways to make a buck. He was a good buddy, a true friend, and a source of joy and laughter for so many.

Johan had a gift for conversation and could connect with people of any age or background. He shared an unbreakable bond with his mama—laughing over their inside jokes, having deep conversations, dancing goofily around the house, and traveling to new places together. With his papa, he found connection in their shared passion for soccer, especially their unwavering support for La Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, a beloved Costa Rican team. He also rooted passionately for Arsenal. Johan’s love of music, particularly rap, was another rhythm to his vibrant personality. He loved his friends. He loved his family. He loved his mama. He was so alive, and he was so loved.

Johan adored animals, especially his dog, Mr. Darcy, and his two cherished cats, Lizzy and Rosie. He treasured recent memories of camping with his grandpa, a Thanksgiving trip to Michigan, attending a Noah Kahan concert in Texas with his mom, traveling to Costa Rica with his dad, celebrating his aunt’s wedding in Finland, exploring Universal Studios with family, adventuring at Great Wolf Lodge with his best friend Will, and spending several sunny weekends at Carolina beaches. Soccer practices, tournaments, and travel games were the heartbeat of his days, and he embraced every experience with enthusiasm. His appetite for life was only matched by his love of food—burritos, nachos, spicy chips, ribs, milkshakes, and all things Costa Rican.

As a big brother, Johan took his role to heart. His mama often called him a “professional big brother,” and he wore that title with pride. He adored his little sisters, fiercely protecting and defending them while making them laugh until they couldn’t breathe. From the moment each was born, he was her biggest fan and vice versa.

Johan is survived by his heartbroken parents, Marika Brenes and Max Brenes, both of Cary, NC; his cherished sisters, Eloisa (10) and Laurel (7); his loving grandparents, Hans (Deborah “Nana”) Horstik of Dexter, MI, Catharine “Cece” Hansford of Wake Forest, NC, Maxmiliano Brenes Saba of Costa Rica, Alice “Tata” Chaves Pacheco of Costa Rica, and Nurya “Nuni” Fonseca Renault; devoted aunts and uncles, Noelle “Noey” Hansford (Joonas Karjalainen) of Helsinki, Finland, Christine (Kyle) Seslar of Cicero, NY, Laura Brenes Chaves (Edward Matarrita) of Costa Rica, Steve Conn of Waterford, MI, as well as many friends, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, extended cousins, and countless family friends who feel like family.

He was preceded in death by his tío Marco Federico Brenes Pérez (his father’s brother), his beloved cats Illusion and Henry, and all of his great-grandparents—the last of whom held him as a baby. Johan’s name carries the memory of his maternal great-grandfather and his late paternal uncle. He was also preceded in death by extended cousins Isaac Ryan-McKinnon and Jeremiah Kochis.

May Johan’s memory bring comfort and peace to all who were blessed to know and love him. Please pursue kindness, joy, and fun in his honor.

Family and friends are invited to honor Johan’s life:

Visitations: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. AND Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Apex Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Service: Friday, April 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., also at Apex Funeral Home.

*Please wear your favorite soccer jersey for the service if you have one. *

*Service will be live streamed.

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25045708857108

In lieu of flowers:

The family asks that contributions be made to the Johan Brenes Memorial Soccer Scholarship Fund: https://everloved.com/life-of/johan-brenes/donate/

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-johans-grieving-family

Apex Funeral Home, of Apex, NC is honored and privileged to be serving the Brenes family.

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