Howard A. Brechtel, Janesville  (1930 - 2010)

August 9, 1930 - January 25, 2010
Howard A. Brechtel, 79, Janesville, died Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, at Rock Haven Nursing Home. He was born in Lena, IL, on Aug. 9, 1930, son of the late Leslie and Edith (Meachum) Brechtel. Howard graduated from High School and Northern Illinois University. He married Leola A. Lane, and later married Phyllis A. (Hendrickson) Arnes. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March of 1949, and he was Honorably discharged, after serving six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Howard worked as a barber in both Lena and Freeport for many years. He later worked as a special education teacher in Illinois and Wisconsin. He also played in his own band, "The Howard Brechtel Trio," throughout the Tri-State area.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; three daughters: Pam Probasco of Dunlap, IL, Alane Fransen of Freeport, IL, and Andra (Dennis) Nesnidal of Algonquin, IL; his son, Ashly (Nikki Ackerman) Brechtel of Madison, WI; three stepchildren: Vicki (Thomas) Schleisner of Janesville, Jodi (Christian) Arnes of Honolulu, HI, and Craig Arnes of Fresco, CO; seven grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Bradley Brechtel.
Howard's family will greet friends and relatives from 4 until 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at the BURKE-TUBBS FUNERAL HOME IN FREEPORT, IL. Private family burial will take place at the Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL. Assisting with arrangements is the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, JANESVILLE (608) 752-2444.
"A very warm and special Thank You to all of the staff at Rock Haven Nursing Home for the wonderful care you gave to Howard."