Nancy Jane Brechnitz

Nancy was born on April 18, 1955 in Decatur, Illinois to Neil and Jean Goretzke. She grew up on their farm in Latham, Illinois and graduated from Warrensburg-Latham High School in 1973. She graduated from Illinois State University in 1977, earning a degree in accounting and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Nancy began her professional career with the firm of Murphey, Jenne and Jones in Decatur, Illinois. Later, she established her own private tax practice, where she continued to serve clients until her retirement in 2002.

Nancy married Erik Brechnitz, on August 3, 1979, in Decatur, Illinois. The couple spent their years between Decatur and Marco Island, Florida, ultimately becoming Florida residents in 2002. Their life together was filled with love, a strong partnership and many cherished memories.

Nancy had a wide range of interests, including competitive tennis, travel, photography and knitting. She found her greatest joy in the company of her children, grandchildren, and close friends in both Decatur and Marco Island. She had many happy moments enjoying life’s simple things, such as basking in the afterglow of summer sunsets with Erik beside her. Nancy’s warmth, beautiful smile and kind and loving nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Erik Brechnitz; son, Christoper Brechnitz; daughter, Beth (Brian) Utley; mother, Jean Spangler Goretzke; and brother, William (Linda) Goretzke. She is also survived by grandchildren, Hannah (John) Chirico, Emma Utley, Meg Utley and Kris Utley; nephews KC (Susan) Brechnitz and Nicholas (Ashton) Goretzke; niece Katelyn (Dave) Kent; greatgrandchildren Beckett and Hendrix Chirico; grand-nephews Mills and Hudson Goretzke; great-niece Mimi (Kevin) Caldwell; great-niece Greta Brechnitz; and great-nephew Larson Brechnitz.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Neil Goretzke and son, Erik C. Brechnitz, Jr.

A service to honor Nancy's life will be held on September 7th, 10:00 A.M. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 130 W. Eldorado St, Decatur, Illinois. A private graveside interment for the family will be held immediately after the service. All attending are invited to a reception following the church service at the Country Club of Decatur where the family will join the guests after the interment.

The family is planning a Memorial Service at the Hideaway Beach Club, Marco Island, Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in the memory of Nancy Brechnitz to the Erik C.Brechnitz Business Experience Fund at Millikin University. To make a gift online, go to: https://bit.lyMUTabor

By mail, please send your check to Millikin University Alumni and Development Office, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522.