Jeff Brillhart Obituary

SAVOY - Jeff Brillhart was called home to be with Jesus on Thursday (Dec. 26, 2024) after a short but courageous battle with cancer, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Surrounded by his family, prayers and favorite music, he departed this world with peace and grace.

He is survived by the love of his life, Connie Brillhart, who never left his side during the last six months. He is also survived by his children, Makena (Kole) Walker, Ryan (Ana) Kern, Ashleigh (Jon) Swanson and Sarah; as well as his grandchildren, Ayden, Katherine, Bella, Kaydence, Victor, Payge and Liam.

Connie and the family will be forever grateful to Dr. Carson and his cancer team at Northwestern, as well as the doctors and nurses on the 14th and 15th floors at Prentice Hospital, who fought tirelessly to save Jeff's life. Your dedication, compassion and care made us feel like he was your only patient, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.

Jeff was born on Oct. 29, 1962, in Macomb. On May 16, 1997, he married Connie on the shores of Makena Beach in Maui - a place as beautiful as the life they built together.

Jeff worked at Clark Dietz, Inc. since 1990, helping to engineer roads and bridges that improved the Midwest. Over his 34 years with the company, he formed lifelong friendships that brought joy and meaning to his work and enriched his life in countless ways.

The greatest joy of Jeff's life was being a dad. He found immense pride and happiness in coaching and watching his daughter Makena play softball, always her biggest fan on and off the field. Jeff also loved cooking, often sharing his expertise (and opinions) on the "right way" to do things, much to the delight of family and friends.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Jeff was thrilled to witness their historic World Series win in 2016. He also enjoyed playing golf, savoring a good glass of whiskey, and listening to live music, especially Todd Rundgren, whose music brought him joy and inspiration.

Jeff's sense of humor, kind heart and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but forever celebrated.

A service to honor Jeff's life will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 5 p.m. in the chapel at The Vineyard Church, 1500 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. A reception for friends and family to gather and share memories will follow.

Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/jeff-brillhart-obituary?id=57123448