Michael D. Brechtel

Michael D. Brechtel, 72 of Rockford, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Michael was born November 28, 1949 in Freeport, IL, the son of Dwain L. Brechtel and Elayne Margaret Ocker. He graduated from Auburn High School, Class of 1967. He earned his Associates Degree from Rock Valley College in 1985. Michael proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Vietnam for two tours. He married Christie Gwyn Robertson in Elkhorn, WI on October 22, 1983. He was a lifetime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. He spent most of his career as a crane operator and also taught in the apprenticeship program. As a retiree he worked part time delivering flowers for Pepper Creek floral shop. Michael attended Alpine Lutheran Church with his family. He was a life member of the LLL Club, the Clifford Johnson VFW Post #9759 and the American Legion Carlson Post #1207 where he served as a 3-time past commander. He was also a member of the Blackhawk Athletic Club. Michael was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing year round. If you did not find him fishing, you would find him on the golf course. He also had a great passion for gardening and maintaining his lawn. For better or worse, he was a long time fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears. Michael enjoyed taking impromptu scenic drives and checking on his fishing spots, family fish fries and cooking homemade soups to share with family and friends. Most of all, he cherished his time spent with family and loved ones, especially his granddaughters. Michael was a genuinely good man who was always there for others no matter what. He will be dearly missed.

Those left to honor Michael’s memory include his wife, Christie Gwyn Brechtel; children, Kristine (Todd) Cloyd and Megan (Derek Richter) Brechtel ; grandchildren, Kinsley and Kylie Cloyd; siblings, Linda (Tom) Walz, Beth Charter, Diane Aupperle and Pamela Krum; step-sisters, Pam (Ben) Schnell, Debbie Payne and Jenny (Jeff) Early; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Joe) Lentz; brother-in-law, Jack (Lynda) Robertson; previous brothers-in-law, Gary Krum and Tom Charter. Michael is predeceased by his father, Dwain Brechtel, mother, Elayne (Gene) Rech and a brother-in-law, Gary Aupperle.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. A funeral service will be Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:00 pm also at the funeral home with visitation from 10:00 am until time of service. Cremation rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Michael Brechtel to be established at a later date.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com