Francis Joseph Brychel Jr., age 82, of Cary, IL, passed away on August 20, 2025. He was born October 7, 1942 in Chicago, IL to his loving parents, Florence (née Gozdziewski) and Francis Joseph Brychel Sr.

Fran graduated from De La Salle Institute in 1960. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1970, including active duty in Vietnam. After his military service, Fran began a long and respected career as a pipe fitter, working at many Illinois power plants until his retirement in 2005.

On September 24, 1977, Fran married the love of his life, Bernice Gluszek. They shared 36 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2013.

Friends and family enjoyed his self-deprecating sense of humor. In earlier years, he was a devoted distance runner, and later he found joy in daily long walks. He also enjoyed reading, especially the novels of Stephen King and John Grisham.

Fran was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Brychel; and sister, Patricia Pfieffer. He is survived by his daughter, Antoinette (Michael) Robbins; brother, Paul (June) Brychel; grandson, Matthew Robbins; and nieces and nephews, Leslie (Jason) Vavra, Jodi (Charles) Gardiner, Paul Brychel Jr., Mary Brychel, Joseph Brychel, and Christopher (Maria) Brychel.

Visitation will start at 10:00am, with military honors at 12:00pm, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. Mass will follow at 12:30pm at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 410 North First Street, Cary, IL 60013. Fr. Akan Simon will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.