| Graduation Year | Class of 1960 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 18, 2009 |
| About | John K. (Jack) Brens, 67, a long-time resident of St. Charles, died Friday, December 18, 2009, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was born April 8, 1942, in Chicago, the son of John and Dorothy (Sheehan) Brens. Jack was a graduate of St. Charles High School, (1960), attended University of Wisconsin where he played basketball from 1960-1964, and graduated from Aurora University in 1973. He retired in 1994 from All-Steel Inc in Aurora after 29 years of service. His second “career” was giving back to his community with great joy. He oversaw the building of the Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Charles, on LaFox Road. He served on several boards, most recently as president of the St. Charles Heritage Center and on the Carriage Oaks Board. Jack was a recipient of the Jodie Harrison Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served on the Distinguished Alum Committee. He was a charter member and former president of the St. Charles Kiwanis Golden K. He was honored as Kiwanian of the Year in 2006. His greatest loves were taking care of his family (a master chef), following sports events, and traveling with family and friends. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy; his children, J. P. (Kendra) Brens of Plainfield, IN, Jake (Kelly) Brens of Sycamore and Joel (Gena) Brens of Aurora; his dear grandchildren, Danielle and Conner Brens; his sister, Grace (Gordon) Gunnlaugsson of Hartland, WI; his brothers, Charlie Brens of Denver, CO and George (Sue) Brens of Batavia. Jack was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held from 3-8 P.M. on Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. Third Street (3 blocks west of the Fox River and 1 block south of Rt. 64), St. Charles. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at Congregational United Church of Christ, 40W451 Fox Mill Blvd, St. Charles with Rev. Dr. John R. Rodgers officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607, www.myeloma.org or to Congregational United Church of Christ. |
