Donald Brozek

Sometimes people touch our hearts and our lives are never the same. For all who knew and loved Donald "Don Don" Brozek, they came to appreciate how his infectious smile could light up a room, and the way he could simply make anyone's day brighter. With ways all his own, he expelled warmth and care to everyone he came in contact with. An exuberant young man full of potential with hopes of a bright future, Don's kindness and happy disposition will be long remembered.

As America was bidding farewell to the 1980s, life was filled with much anticipation and the hope of brighter tomorrows for the 1990s. News of the day included scandal, politics, and a promising economy. Although Operation Dessert Shield had everyone on edge, the unity derived when the Berlin Wall came down touched everyone's hearts. And to the delight of many, The Simpsons made their debut as well as the Furby, beloved by children everywhere. Yet for Kevin John and Donna Katherine (Lucas) Brozek, nothing compared to joy they felt celebrating the New Year with the birth of their son, Donald Francis Brozek, born on Friday, January 5, 1990.

Born in Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, the Brozek family eventually made their home in the close knit village of Herscher where Donald was raised alongside his older sister, Jamie. Even though he was on the shy side as a young boy, Don experienced a childhood filled with boyhood adventures. He played with neighborhood friends, and as he grew older, he and Jamie loved cooking together. As if he were the big brother, Don watched out for his sister, and would do anything for her. Brought up in the Catholic faith, Don was baptized as a baby and received the holy sacraments.

During his youth, Don became involved in school activities and had numerous friends he often hung out with. It seemed he was always doing something fun with friends, which made for memorable times. Throughout the years he formed many special friendships which he cherished, and he treasured the love of family.

Don loved being surrounded by those who knew and loved him. He was quite family oriented, and they always shared great times together. Over the years he enjoyed hunting, guns, and loved riding four wheelers and fishing. Don always had his dad's back, and loved his mother and sister to no end, and most times tolerated his dad, lol! He had great respect for his parents, and whenever asked to do something, he'd do so willingly. He really enjoyed mowing the grass, and had a knack for fixing things, especially anything with an engine.

Having attended the local schools, Don went on to graduate from Herscher High School in 2008. His high school years were simply the best, and he had fond memories he carried with him from those wonderful years. He always enjoyed the special activities at school, including proms, the Winterball, and sporting events, but most important to Don, his many friends. Loyal to the core, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for a friend. Always encouraging others with his ready smile, he could easily turn tears into laughter and he could always get the best of someone with his usual pranks.

After high school, Don began working for the RW Collins Company in Chicago. An environmental contractor, Don loved his work there as a laborer and was a proud member of Local 225. A hard and dedicated worker, he was even placed on the waiting list for the Local 150 training program for the International Union of operating engineers. Don was getting his priorities in order, and doing quite well for himself, was in the process of looking at purchasing a home to call his own.

Above all, Don loved his family and friends, and especially adored his precious niece, Khloe. The day he held her for the first time, she stared straight into Don's beautiful, sparkling eyes as if she knew his heart and the love he had for her. He was an awesome godfather to Kloe, and the best uncle ever. Don continued his love for cooking and enjoyed anytime his family got together for a cookout, especially when he had the chance to smoke something on the grill.

Gone too soon from love's embrace, the heart of Donald Brozek lives on in those he touched with his unending love, kind disposition, and generous nature. With a smile that could light up a room, Don was truly a beautiful person on the inside out. Always there with a kind word, helping hand, or a hug of encouragement, he leaves behind much to be remembered and will be deeply missed.

Donald “Don Don” Francis Brozek, 24, of Herscher passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014. Don is survived by his parents, Kevin and Donna Brozek, of Herscher; his sister, Jamie Brozek (Todd Giroux) of Kankakee; niece Khloe Giroux of Kankakee; maternal grandmother, Nancy Lucas of Homer Glenn; paternal grandmother, Elaine Brozek of Naples, FL; several aunts, uncles and cousins including Cheryl (Bruce) Schellhamer of Table Grove, IL and James (Dawn) Lucas of Lockport, IL. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Donald Peter Lucas and paternal grandfather, Frank Brozek.

A time for family and friends to gather will be held Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home from 4-8pm where his funeral service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10am with burial to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Palos Hills, Il. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brozek family. Please visit www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com where you can learn more about Don’s life, share a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook.