John R. Brechman, 73

Died: July 13, 2013

John R. Brechman, 73, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2013, following a courageous battle with kidney cancer.

Beloved partner of Suzanne A. Arendt; loving father of Robert (Kelly) Brechman and Wendy (Pete) Kenny; devoted brother of Linda (Jerry) Oenning; cherished uncle of one niece, proud grandfather of three grandsons and one granddauther, dear nephew of Stan (Arlene) Sarabyn and others, cousin and friend to many.

John was a 1957 graduate of Lane Tech High School in Chicago; he served proudly in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lexington CVA-16; he trained in engineering and retired from Navistar in 1999 after 31 years of service.

Visitation was on Monday, July 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, July 16, at 10 a.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel for a Catholic funeral service officiated by Fr. Kevin Covert. Interment follows at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider National Kidney Foundation, whose work is of special interest to John.