Patrick J. Brennan

Patrick was born to John Patrick Brennan and Bernadine Elvira Sharp on March 27, 1952, in Springfield. He was happily married to his wife, Janet Marie Kremitzki on March 13, 1981. They recently celebrated a wonderful 42 years of marriage this past Spring.

After graduating from Griffin High School in 1970, Patrick attended Springfield College in Illinois and the University of Louisville. He worked at the Illinois State Board of Education as a Record Coordinator, consulting for private businesses and vocational schools for 40 years. Known as "Big Dawg" amongst the staff, Patrick could often be found entertaining the warehouse crew. Patrick was heavily involved in Central Illinois sports, acting as a licensed official for over 25 years. For Patrick, local sports were always a personal hobby, channeling his passion for baseball, softball, and basketball into a connection with the community at large. Officiating on a local level allowed Patrick to work in Cooperstown Dreams Park and develop lifelong friendships with his officiant colleagues.

Patrick made a friend out of every stranger he met, chatting over his favorite glass of bourbon. Along with his wife, Janet, they enjoyed surrounding themselves with fellow wine connoisseurs and travel partners. Patrick was an avid collector of sports memorabilia, becoming the premier owner of championship rings, vintage jerseys, and baseball cards. Unable to turn down a home-improvement project, Patrick often found himself working with family and friends to get the job done. He was a steadfast supporter of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey, always watching the game from his favorite spots around Springfield. Proud ‘Papa’ to William, Eden, and Jameson, he was a constant at their many sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Michael Brennan; and sister, Karin Rehs.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Brennan of Springfield; three children, Dugan Brennan of Springfield, Lauren (Sean) Flynn of Springfield, and Nolan Brennan of Charlottesville, VA; three grandchildren, William, Eden, and Jameson; five siblings, Theresa Brennan, Terrance Brennan, Katie (Phil) Daniels, Elizabeth "Ebie" (Tom) Gasperin, and Mary Kim (James) Owens; sister-in-law Martha Brennan and brother-in-law Pete Rehs; a big family of nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Carlton.

The Brennan Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service followed by words of remembrance by family.

The family will host a Celebration of Life from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Venue 1929, 711 S. 5th St, Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.