Thomas Waldo Brechlin

Thomas W. Brechlin, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2023, in Taylor Springs, Illinois, with his daughter, Julie, and his son, Steven, at his side. Tom loved to work with his hands and build things, from bird houses to a beautiful log home in Hermantown. He carved a family totem pole for his front yard and built a beautiful cedar cross for the sanctuary of Grace Lutheran Church.

Tom was born in Duluth, MN to Eyolf and Olga Brechlin on June 16, 1934. He went to high school at Hermantown and graduated in 1952. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he studied geology. Tom was Vice President of Investment & Trust at Northern City National Bank, which was later acquired by US Bank, and North Shore Investment & Trust as a Portfolio Manager. Tom served in the Air National Guard and his rank was 2nd Lieutenant at the time of his discharge. He was also a member of the Lions Club and Grace Lutheran Church.

Tom moved to Marana, AZ following the untimely death of his wife, Marilee, in 1999. He enjoyed the warmth of Arizona for more than 20 years, before moving to Taylor Springs, IL to be closer to family.

Tom was preceded in death by his brothers, William D. Brechlin and Gerald F. Brechlin.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Kevin) Stanfield and Julie (Kevin) Prickett; son, Steven Brechlin; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Sunrise Funeral Home and Cemetery and Grace Lutheran Church for helping with funeral and burial arrangements.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 10th at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, with funeral service at 11:00 and reception to follow. Graveside service and interment at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery.

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