Rick Brehm

Rick was born January 27th, 1951, in Wendell, Idaho, to Roberta J. Claiborne and Alexander F. Brehm. He was the oldest of Roberta’s 5 children. Rick graduated from Adlai E. Stevenson high school in Half Day, IL, in 1969 and attended some college at Rock Valley Jr. College in Rockford, IL. Rick had 2 significant careers in his working life including designing circuit boards for Motorola and then working in purchasing and receiving for United Skys. He proved invaluable in both lines of work. Rick retired at the age of 62 in 2013.

Rick was married twice, to Cynthia M. Bouris (1974-1979) and Kimberly S. French (1986-1990). Rick had 2 daughters with Kim. Lauren was born in October 1986, and Caitlin was born in March 1989. Rick’s daughters were the absolute light of his life. He was so proud of them and was one of their biggest supporters every day of their life. From the countless bedtime stories with amazing voices; to countless games of “the stairs are breaking”, “lumps in the bed,” board games, and barbies; to being at every gymnastics meet, (show)choir or dance recital/competition, play, and achievement; to beautifully created and remembered Christmases, holidays and family time; Rick’s unconditional love and outstandingness as a father is considered uncompared by his daughters. Rick also gained a son who he loved very much when his daughter Lauren married her husband Michael in December 2012, though Michael had become Rick’s son long before that official date. Rick loved golfing, talking sports and spending time with his bonus son; and loved how much Michael loves and takes care of Lauren.

Rick was an exceptionally smart and creative person. He was very proud of having obtained his pilot’s license in 1970; loved to draw and create; loved to play guitar, and music in general; and enjoyed video games. Rick also loved stained glass and made numerous magnificent stained-glass pieces starting in 1989 that will always be treasured. Rick started playing and fell in love with golf in 1989 and referred to himself as KOAG (King Of All Golf). Rick was an avid martial artist and mastered numerous disciplines of martial arts starting in 1970 including: Tai Kwon Do; Goju Shorei where he gained a green belt and won first place at a tournament after defeating 9 other competitors; Tai Kit Kuen where he obtained a brown belt; and finally Filipino Martial Arts receiving his black belt in 2002. Rick also wrote and published, along with his long-time friend Sue Curwin, his own children’s book Auggie the Seal Doggie, and its accompanying coloring book, through his self-created publishing company Salty Lion Books in 2017. He also published 3 additional coloring books in a “Nothing But” collection through Salty Lion Books with his sister Rhonda Richardson in 2018. Rick was also a devoted Chicago sports fan: Da Bears! Go White Sox! Go Bulls! Go Blackhawks!

Rick is survived in death by his beloved daughters and son in law, Lauren and Michael Walker and Caitlin Brehm. Rick is additionally survived by his wonderful sister and brothers: Rhonda Richardson, Randy (Jean) Olson, Ray (Carrie) Olson, and Robert (Tammy) Olson; and 15 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, and a cousin and extended family. He loved his family greatly even through ups and downs. Rick was preceded in death by his strong and beautiful mother Roberta in 2003; and his father Alexander in 2015.

Rick had a zest for life and was taken too soon. His support, passion, stubbornness, love, and intelligence will be remembered forever and indescribably missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

A celebration of life will be held from 3pm-7pm Friday June 9th in Shelter A at Half Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills, IL; 24255 IL-21, Shelter A, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Brehm family.