Robert "Bob" J. Brehm, Sr.

Oakwood – Robert “Bob” J. Brehm, Sr., 95, of Oakwood passed away at 10:15 PM on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at The Waters of Covington. He was born December 21, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA to Bert Yossick, Sr. and Marian (Knott) Yossick. He married Suzanne “Sue” H. Mitchell on October 2, 1953 in Springfield, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his eight children, Michael (Vickie) Brehm of Loda, IL, Paula (Jack) Morris of Sunnyvale, TX, Valle Sue (Chuck) Shelby of Hawbuck, IL, Jaye (Kristen) Mitchell of San Francisco, CA, Rob (Victoria) Brehm, of Naples, FL, Kelly C. (Mike Marcotte) Brehm of Momence, IL, Colleen (Michael Slyce) Wieties of Minnetrista, MN, and Jennifer (David) Wesner of Danville, IL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; two sisters, Eileen Peabody and Marian Arcurio; three brothers, Bill Yossick, Bert Yossick, Jr., and Leroy Anderson; and special friends, Rich Yelich and Mark Schneider.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a brother.

In 1948, Bob first served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, and after four years, reenlisted into the Air Force. There, Bob continued to serve until retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1971 with 22 years in the Armed Forces. His service took him through both the Korean and the Vietnam Wars in addition to his other stations abroad. Bob was a proud patriot and loved his country. Although his active-duty obligation ended, he continued his work as Head of the Electrical Branch & Contract Maintenance at Chanute AFB in Rantoul. During his time at Chanute, he would also act as President of the Board for CMCU, Principal of CCD classes, and managed the Officer’s Club. After retiring from Chanute, Bob would again have the opportunity to serve in a different role as a Paraprofessional Aide in the Special Education Department at District #118 until his final retirement.

In addition to his career, Bob loved being in nature, especially fishing, tending to his vegetable garden, or camping with his family in Marshall, IL at the Lincoln Trail State Park. His family will remember him as a socialite and joker who always had a “Bobism” to impart upon them. He was a “friend of Bill W.,” known for the “Big L,” and loved going dancing with his wife, Sue. Bob was an avid Illini Basketball and Football fan and loved to read and scrapbook in his spare time. As much as he loved his family, Bob also loved the Lord and was a long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Danville. He had also been a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert “Bob” J. Brehm, Sr. will be at 2 PM on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut St. Danville, IL 61832. Father John Cyr will officiate. Cremation rites will follow. Internment will take place on a later date at Danville National Cemetery where American Legion Post #210 will perform military honors. Visitation will be held from 12 – 2 PM on Saturday prior to Mass, also at St. Paul’s Church in Danville. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please join Bob’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.