Jonathan Jeffrey Burandt

Jonathan Jeffrey Burandt, our cherished son, was called home to heaven on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Our hearts are broken at this tremendous loss. We are trying to take comfort in our belief that Jonathan is now with his sister, Meaghan Victoria, and that he is safe and at peace for eternity.

Jonathan was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1991 in Baltimore Maryland. What a gift from God he was to our family and his friends. He was baptized June, 1991, he received his first holy communion May 15, 1999 and was confirmed with the name “Robert” October 22, 2005.

Jonathan’s enthusiasm for sports began early in his life. He played soccer beginning at 4 years old and continued to play for the Lindenhurst league until he was 10 years old. Jonathan attended Prince of Peace Catholic School in Lake Villa from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. He played track and basketball for the Prince of Peace Apaches from 5th through 8th grade. Jonathan began playing football for the Lake Villa Timberwolves in 4th grade. His talent and love of the sport of football would continue through high school and college. Jonathan played basketball for Carmel Catholic High School his Freshmen and Sophomore years. Jonathan played football for the Carmel Corsairs all 4 years of high school and enjoyed a near injury-free career until Senior Year when he tore his shoulder and required surgery. The honor of Varsity Team Football Captain was bestowed upon Jonathan by his teammates. Jonathan’s natural leadership skills were recognized when he was asked to be one of the leaders for the Kairos Retreat at Carmel and he was proud to participate. Jonathan graduated from Carmel Catholic High School in 2009 and accepted a football scholarship to attend the University of Indianapolis in Indiana where he was the starting Center for 3 years. Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Management on May 4, 2013.

Jonathan’s smile could light up a room. He was a good-natured person with a charismatic, positive personality. He was an optimist. Jonathan loved deeply and had a kind heart. After college, he began working for CDW selling technology solutions. We often joked that Jonathan sold technology; however, he didn’t use technology very often. He achieved success in several other sales roles in the past 3 years. Jonathan was a loyal friend with a desire to make everyone around him happy. Jonathan enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, fishing, hunting and golfing.

Jonathan is deeply loved and will always be on our minds and forever in our hearts.

Jonathan is survived by his parents – Jeffrey Scott Burandt and Kathleen Gail (Klbecka) Burandt, grandmothers Kathleen Francis (Connelly) Burandt and Mary Ellen Patricia (O’Connell-Klbecka) Vondrak and Frank Vondrak. Uncles and Aunts: Charles B. Burandt, Robert J. Klbecka, Kevin P. Klbecka and Stacy (Levi) Klbecka, Christine E. Burandt, Christopher J. Klbecka, Keith T. Klbecka and Renate (Linde) Klbecka, Maureen G. (Klbecka) Marchese and Thomas Marchese, Erin R.(Burandt) Ezzo and Paul Ezzo. Cousins: Katie Guzzo, Shannon Burandt, Ashley Klbecka, Kyle Klbecka, Cody Burandt, Danielle Mortell, Emme Klbecka, Jack Klbecka, Connor McElderry, Alex Klbecka, Morrigan Marchese, Maddison Marchese and Monnahan Marchese. Jonathan is preceded in death by his sister, Meaghan Victoria Burandt, his maternal grandfather, Robert J. Klbecka and his paternal grandfather, Charles Burandt.

Our family is grateful for the support, love and kindness extended to us by so many during this most difficult time.

Please join us for a Celebration of Jonathan’s Life:

Marsh Funeral Home

305 N. Cemetery Road

Gurnee IL 60031 on

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Visitation 4:00 – 6:30 pm followed by a Memorial Service from 6:30 – 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jonathan Jeffrey Burandt Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a worthy senior at Carmel Catholic High School to assist with their future college tuition and expenses.

To donate please send a check to: “Meaghan’s Heart, N.P.” at 37135 N. Cremona Avenue, Lake Villa IL 60046.

You may also send a donation to Jeff and Kathleen Burandt and your contribution will be directed to the Jonathan Jeffrey Burandt Scholarship Fund. Thank you in advance for supporting our desire to memorialize Jonathan through this scholarship in his name.