Brian Scott Retzlaff

Brian Retzlaff, born on August 28, 1972, in Austin, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on July 19, 2026, in St. Charles, Illinois.

Brian was a kind, handy, and creative man whose life was marked by curiosity, hard work, and a natural ability to fix just about anything. He grew up in Austin, Minnesota, and later moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, when he was 15 years old. After graduating from Central High School in Crystal Lake with the Class of 1990, he returned to Minnesota to attend automotive school, where he continued to build on the skills and interests that had been part of him since childhood.

From an early age, Brian loved tinkering and taking things apart to understand how they worked. At just 10 years old, he took apart a clock and put it back together, a small but memorable sign of the mechanical talent and determination that would remain with him throughout his life. He had a lifelong love of cars and among the vehicles he cherished was his Corvette, which he always hoped to restore. He also put his creativity and hands-on ability to use in building his own e-bike, another example of the resourceful spirit that defined him.

Brian worked as an auto mechanic, a profession that suited him well and allowed him to do what he loved. He later worked at Amazon and then with JLL, where he continued to be known for his dependable work ethic and practical skills. No matter where he worked, Brian brought the same steady presence, intelligence, and willingness to help that made him valued by those around him.

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his father, George (Anne)  Retzlaff, his mother, Virgene Retzlaff, Ervin Retzlaff who was like a big brother; he was preceded in death by his cherished sister, Jill, his grandparents, the late Lawrence and Lena Retzlaff and Victor and Emma Heimann. His family was an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them remained meaningful throughout the years.

In 2021, Brian returned to Illinois and made his home in St. Charles, where he lived until his passing. He carried with him the experiences of the places he had lived and the people he had known, and he continued to approach life with the same practical outlook and quiet creativity that had always been part of who he was. Those who knew Brian will remember his ability to solve problems, his appreciation for well-made machines, and the satisfaction he found in building, repairing, and restoring.

Brian’s life was one of simple but lasting strengths. He was the kind of person who could look at something broken and see not only what it was, but what it could become. He will be remembered for his warm nature, his mechanical skill, and the thoughtful way he moved through the world. His memory will be cherished by his family and by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Memorial donations in Brian’s memory may be made to the American heart Association.

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