Richard "Dick" S. Brewster

Richard “Dick” Steven Brewster, 75, passed away on September 14, 2023, in Rockford, Illinois. Born in Edgerton, Wisconsin on August 8, 1948, he was the son of Frank Northway and Vida Mae (Bartley) Brewster. He married the love of his life, Linda Lou Burris on July 9, 1967, in Rockford, Illinois. He served the Army from 1967 into 1969, stationed in Germany. Dick spent most all his life as a machinist by trade. Owning and operating several businesses until his retirement in 2018. He loved to “tinker” on most anything, especially cars. He had a vast mechanical knowledge that he passed onto his son, Steve. They shared their passion for repairing, rebuilding, maintaining, and collecting classic cars over the years. Dick was always up to the challenge of using his machining skills to alter or fabricate mechanical parts for so many car enthusiasts that he knew as well. Dick and Steve enjoyed going to car shows and to the dragstrip to race the cars they built. He was also known for using his machining skills to turn a cannon or two on the lathe. Dick especially liked “celebrating” with the cannons on the 4th of July... those who know, know what that means. Dick and Linda enjoyed flea markets and weekend sales searching for collectibles. He enjoyed fishing and would say he was going to throw a “pole in.” Living where he did not only allow him access to the river at any time, but also provided an endless supply of firewood in which he and Linda would enjoy bonfires. He and Linda enjoyed quality time around the fire all summer long and into the first snowfall. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandchildren. As he loved all things mechanical, he kept a vast collection of motorbikes and go-karts for his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Jack, his grandson, race around the property as much as Jack enjoyed riding them.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 56 years, Linda; their three children Stacy Brewster, Rebecca (Michael) Leist, and Steven (Carolyn) Brewster; grandchildren Megan (Matthew) Miller and Jack McNulty; great grandchildren Ryker, Kessler, Eleanor, Isabell; his brother Kenneth (Cindy) Lair; sisters Mary Brewster and Bea (Joseph) Rice; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his grandson Johnathon Handy; his siblings William “Bill” Brewster, Marian Majewski and her husband Lawrence “Larry” Majewski, Nancy Smith and her husband Robert “Bob” Smith, and Lucinda Brewster; his nephews Kraig Smith and David Fish.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor on Sunday, October 1st from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut St., Cherry Valley. A very special thank you to the nurses at OSF St. Anthony Hospital for all the care and compassion that they showed to Dick and the family. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com