Erik Brechnitz Sr.

Erik C. Brechnitz, 87, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away in his home on April 21st while under the care of hospice.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur, Illinois at 10:00am on May 9th.

Erik is remembered as a well-groomed gentleman, who freely bestowed advice and mentorship. If Erik decided to undertake anything, he committed with unrelenting vigor and measured dynamism until its completion. Excellence was a standard extended to all things in his life, especially his own endeavors. His grandchildren knew a gentler version of this giant and were consistently extended grace and generosity.

Erik was born in Belleville, Illinois to parents Edith (née Carl) and George Brechnitz on July 5, 1938. He enjoyed childhood with older brother Jan who was his closest ally and best friend until Jan’s death in 2015. They shared much in life: matching careers, cars, and even a birthday. From a young age, Erik was passionate about athletics and became a four sport letterman at Belleville Township High School from where he graduated in 1956.

Following graduation, Erik attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. He played football for the Tigers and joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity, forging friendships that endured his lifetime. He relished competition on the field and in the classroom and was awarded intramural athlete of the year twice while at Mizzou. Shortly after earning a degree as a double major in Economics and English, his draft notice arrived and Erik served with the Air Force in the medical corps at Kessler Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Erik’s young career took him to Decatur in 1962 where he worked as a trader at Tabor Grain. He then started Mid-America Brokerage with partners, which evolved under several parent companies, finally attaining the position of Senior Vice President at Raymond James. He founded The Brechnitz Group which carried on after his retirement in 2024. Erik valued his career and remained in frequent contact and maintained loyal friendships with his partners and co-workers following his retirement.

Erik was active in politics and civic organizations and was twice elected to the Decatur City Council, and then served as Mayor for six years. Major achievements in his tenure include construction of the Law Enforcement Center and the Water Treatment Plant, whose construction bonds were packaged with Erik's financial expertise, and saved millions for Decatur taxpayers.

Erik and Nancy were married in 1979 and made Marco Island their home in 1995. They developed a connected community of friends on the island and in Hideaway Beach. Erik’s passion for local politics was reignited and he devoted time and energy to the improvement of the community. He served as President of the Hideaway Beach Homeowner's Association before being elected to the Marco City Council and twice presided as its Chairman.

In addition to politics, Erik enjoyed tennis, cooking, foreign cars, and spirited conversations.

Erik was a trustee and chairman on the Millikin University Board and continued to serve in Emeritus. In 2018 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters. He held other honors and affiliations including: The American Stock Exchange, The New York Stock Exchange, The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, The Chicago Board of Trade, Millikin Bank, Hickory Point Bank, The Rotary Club, Decatur Chamber of Commerce, The Decatur Club, The Decatur Country Club, The Decatur Racket Club, The YMCA, Marco Island Country Club, and Fish Ltd.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy, son Erik, brother Jan, mother of his children Judith (née Johnson), father George, and mother Edith. He is survived by his son Chris, daughter Beth Utley (Brian), grandchildren Hannah Chirico (John), Emma, Meg, and Kris, and great-grandchildren Beckett, Hendrix, and Elizabeth Chirico, his nephew Kurt Compton Brechnitz (Susan) and their three children.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver, Carline Jean Charles.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Erik C. Brechnitz Business Experience Fund at Millikin University.