Donald O. Bretsch, age 86, of Centralia, IL passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, IL.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Belleville, IL, the son of Oscar and Beulah Bretsch. He married Phyllis McGill on August 21, 1960, in Mt. Vernon and she survives him in Centralia. They were married for 63 years.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons: Jeffrey (Jackie) of St. Charles, MO, Gregory (Joy) of Loveland, CO, and Bradley Bretsch (significant other: Melissa Aviles) of Alma, IL. Grandchildren are Kyle Bretsch of Springfield, MO, Jenae Mason (Spencer) of Town and Country, MO, Rheagan, Logan, and Landon Bretsch of Loveland, CO, Travis Bretsch of Earlville, IL and Tyler Bretsch stationed at Oak Harbor, WA. Two great-grandchildren: Mary Claire and Theodore Mason.
Mr. Bretsch was raised in Mascoutah, IL where he attended grade school and high school. He enjoyed a long career as a teacher and principal, spending 43 years in education. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a Master’s Degree from Illinois State, and a Specialist Degree from Eastern Illinois University.
He began his career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Webber Township High School in Bluford. He moved on to teach at Feitshans High School in Springfield, IL. From there he began his career in school administration. He began as an assistant principal of Edison Jr. High in Springfield and then moved to assistant principal of Springfield Southeast High School. Mr. Bretsch then went on to serve as principal at Charleston and Carlyle High Schools and finished his career at Centralia Jr. High. He often expressed how blessed he was to have such a long, enjoyable, and rewarding career.
Early in his career, he served on a number of school evaluations for the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. He also served on the Illinois High School Athletic Association Baseball Committee and was a charter member of the Illinois Principal’s Association. He was an affiliate staff member of the University of Illinois Student Teaching Program. Don was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa.
Mr. Bretsch was always active in his community. He was a Rotarian for over fifty years and a Paul Harris Fellow. In 2019 he received his 50-year Master Mason Membership pin. He served 20 years on the Centralia Salvation Army Board and 12 years on the Centralia Cultural Society Board. He served 10 years as a volunteer fireman with Carlyle Fire Protection District. Mr. Bretsch was a faithful member of the Calumet Street Christian Church and served terms as both Deacon and Elder.Don loved the outdoors. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening, and travel. He and Phyllis visited all 50 states and 20 foreign countries.Don loved his wife, family, and the Lord Jesus. He especially loved hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons.
A funeral service will be held at Calumet Street Christian Church on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors John Willis and Anthony Sweeney officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Friday, September 1, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Calumet Street Christian Church or Shriners Children Hospital and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, which is honored to be of service to the Bretsch family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
