OAKWOOD — Robert “Bob” J. Brehm Sr., 95, of Oakwood, father of a Loda resident, died at 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, at The Waters of Covington, Ind.
Mr. Brehm was born Dec. 21, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Bert Yossick Sr. and Marian (Knott) Yossick. He married Suzanne “Sue” H. Mitchell on Oct. 2, 1953, in Springfield. She survives.
Also surviving are eight children, Michael (Vickie) Brehm of Loda, Paula (Jack) Morris of Sunnyvale, Texas, Valle Sue (Chuck) Shelby of Hawbuck, Jaye (Kristen) Mitchell of San Francisco, Calif., Rob (Victoria) Brehm, of Naples, Fla., Kelly C. (Mike Marcotte) Brehm of Momence, Colleen (Michael Slyce) Wieties of Minnetrista, Minn., and Jennifer (David) Wesner of Danville; 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 one brother.
In 1948, Mr. Brehm enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After four years in the Navy, he reenlisted into the U.S. Air Force. There, he 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. He was a proud patriot and loved his country.
Although his active-duty obligation ended, he continued his work as head of the electrical branch and contract maintenance at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul. During his time at Chanute, he would also act as president of the board for CMC and principal of CCD classes and managed the officers club. After retiring from Chanute, he served as a paraprofessional aide in the special education department at District No. 118 until his final retirement.
Mr. Brehm loved being in nature, especially fishing, tending to his vegetable garden or camping with his family in Marshall, Ill., 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 loved going dancing with his wife. He was an avid Fighting Illini basketball and football fan and loved to read and scrapbook in his spare time.
Mr. Brehm was a longtime 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 will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut St., Danville, with Father John Cyr officiating. Cremation rites will follow. Internment will take place on a later date at Danville National Cemetery, where American Legion Post No. 210 will perform military honors. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the church in Danville. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville is handling arrangements.
Memories, photos and videos of his life can be shared through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.