Robert "Bob" Henry Bretz

He was born on March 17, 1929, in Springfield, IL, to Henry Aloysious Bretz and Anna Marie (Rentchler) Bretz.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved parents; wife, Norma J.; son, Phillip J. Bretz; and one great-grandchild, Cole Evans.

He is survived by his six children, Stephen R. Bretz of Lexington, SC, Michael E. (Kimberly) Bretz of Decatur, IL, Mary Ann (Michael) Evans of Branson, MO, Julie M. (Bruce) Fulton of Indian Land, SC, Elizabeth A. (Jeff) Almond of Raleigh, NC and Jean M. (Brian) Shadday of Lexington, SC. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jennifer L. DeKett, Stephanie M. Gear, Joseph R. Bretz, Rachael R. Gladden, Michelle E. Allen, Shawn M. Bretz, Jeremy L. Bretz, Derek M. Evans, Jason M. Evans, Nicholas R. Fulton, Anna M. Barrett, Chandler E. Almond, Noah J. Almond, James C. Shadday, and Cameron R. Shadday; great-grandchildren, Addison M. DeKett, Rebecca J. DeKett, Jordan E. Feucht, Andrew J. Feucht, Ella M. Oakley, Casey S. Bretz, Abigail A. Gladden, Garrett M. Allen, Grace L. Bretz, Kyler M. Martin, Brielle A. Bretz, Jaren M. Bretz, Kadric L. Bretz, Brock Evans, Dylan Evans, Arie Evans, Sira-Yuki Evans, Clark H. Barrett, Arthur R. Clark, and Gemma E. Clark; great-great-grandchild, Atlas S. Salter; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was proud of his time in the U. S. Army. He served from 1951 to 1953 as part of the Army Circle C Battalion, Circle C 15th Constabulary. He patrolled the Czechoslovakian border between Weiden and Kronach, Germany.

When he returned from military service, he married Norma J. Bayly on April 18, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Church, Springfield, IL. He worked for Illinois Power Co. (Ameren) for thirty-five years. They raised their seven children in Decatur, IL. He was a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church. He volunteered for the Holy Name Society and the Fellowship Club at Illinois Power. In addition to his career at Illinois Power, he operated a residential painting business with his three sons. It was always said by his family that he must have painted half the homes throughout the Decatur area.

Bob’s hobbies included following various high school, college, and professional sports teams. He saved his biggest cheers for the Chicago Bulls and the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed reading about WWII and the U.S. military in general.

He never met a stranger. His “gift for gab” endeared him to many friends and acquaintances.

Bob loved his family first and foremost. He was devoted to caring for both his wife and his mother. After they both passed, he moved to the Carolinas to be near most of his children and grandchildren. He resided in the south for the past 22 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and helping in any way he could.

He will be missed deeply by his family and many others that knew him.

The family would like to personally thank Westminster Memory Care and Agape Hospice Care for taking such great care of our beloved father.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by the Mass at 12:00 p.m. at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Fr. Daniel McGrath, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1720 S. Grand Ave. E., Springfield, IL 62703, or Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.