James Michael Bretl

James Michael Bretl, 57
Rockford - James Michael Bretl, 57, beloved father, brother, son, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Born and raised in Rockford to David & Sue (Kashik) Bretl. Jim will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. In life he was adored by his family and friends and admired by his colleagues. Jim was a Greenbay Packer fan, and avid sportsman; feared by all deer, fish and fowl, unfortunate enough to cross his path. Throughout his life Jim strove not only for his own success, but for the success of those around him. He graduated from St. Bernadette, and Boylan High School in Rockford, Northern Illinois University, and earned his master’s degree in career counseling at St. Cloud University in Minn. He went on to become a Career Service Director at both Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He is survived by his parents Dave and Sue, ex-wife and friend Sally; sons Matthew, Benjamin (Janelle), and Nicholas; siblings Daniel (Debbie) Kay (Jim), Peter (Sherrie), Sara (Chris), and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Funeral Mass will be 11 AM Saturday, November 28, 2015 at St Bernadette's Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave., Rockford, IL, with a visitation starting from 9:30 a.m. to time of mass Saturday. In the lieu of flowers please consider "paying it forward" in memory of Jim. Arrangements made by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Send online condolences at www.Fitzgergeraldfh.com