John M. "Jack" Brennan, 62, of Burlington, passed away on Saturday, March 21st, 2009, at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Born in Lock Haven, PA, on September 25, 1946, he was the son of the late Ward Joseph and Lillian Mae (McCloskey) Brennan. He moved to the Chicago area as a young child where he received his education. He graduated from Elmhurst College with a bachelor’s degree in history and education. On June 26, 1976, he married Lois Cotton at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Kenosha. After college, Jack taught 5th and 6th grade in Zion, IL. For many years, he was a salesman for various businesses in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Since 1996, he has been partner/co-owner of Southport RV Rental in Kenosha. Jack attended Bristol United Methodist Church, was a pilot and lifelong member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), was a member of the Wilmot Ski School, and will be remembered as a great cook. Survivors include his wife, Lois of Burlington; two brothers-in-law, John (Kit) Cotton of Bethlehem, PA, and Austin (Sue) Cotton of Fairfax, VA; two nephews, David and Jonathan; three nieces, Cari, Christy, and Kathy; four great-nephews; and two great-nieces. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 26th, at the Proko Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Jack’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Tiffany Lemay
April 6, 2009
I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the funeral. Jack will be greatly missed by my family and I. I'll always remember seeing him at Alpine Valley ski slopes and his jolly hello and laugh whenever we stopped by the dealership. My deepest condolences. Tiffany Lemay, Shanghai, China
joe serantoni
April 6, 2009
i am so saddened to hear about jack i was out of town when i received the news from ski school. whenever i talked to jack he was like a breath of fresh air. always so positive, always had nice things to say. always concerned about how you were doing. i remember when he drove up to Marquette Michigan with a group fellow instructors from ski school for an event. we all had dinner that evening and he was such a delight to be with, how lucky i am to have known jack.
Terri, Tom and Tiffany Dawson
March 30, 2009
We were saddened by the news of Jack's passing. When he stopped by in February it was like old times, seeing he smiling face as we came in from a full day in Winter Wonderland. Tom and Tiffany went from students to junior instructors and then to instructors under Jack's watch. He was always supportive of their efforts and had a powerful impact on their lives as a positive figure in their first job. Thank you for sharing Jack with us.
John Brandt and Debbie Dukes
March 28, 2009
LoisJohn and I were very sadden to hear of Jack's passing. We were out of town until Saturday, 3/28. Jack was a dear person who brought happiness to all of us at Wilmot. He was such a ray of sunshine every time we rounded the corner at the ski school desk. He will be deeply missed.John and Debbie
Jane Wiederholt
March 27, 2009
Dear, dear Lois,I was stunned to hear of Jack's death. What a dear man he was and how I loved visiting you in your cozy dome. Know that I will be keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers, dear friend.Much love,Jane
Andrea L. Brown
March 26, 2009
Nobody loved life as much as Jack. His optimism and insight will forever inspire me. He will be missed.
Robert Hedberg Jr.
March 26, 2009
Jack was a wonderful spirit, that brought joy to people around him. He was a friendly face that will truly be missed. Many prayers to the Brennan family.
Beverly and Ralph Laurell
March 25, 2009
Lois dear, I ache for your dreadful loss. You and Jack were so gentle and loving as a couple, and as individuals. Your outgoing natures and positiveness were, and are things to be admired. I pray for God to help ease your pain as you live through these hard days ahead. Our prayers are being said for Jack, and for you.Love, Bev and Ralph
Dawn Sklare
March 25, 2009
Dear Lois, It was an honor and a privilege to have been friends with Jack. He shall always be remembered and cherished. If not for him we would have never had the help for our daughter Chelsey. Thank you.Dawn Sklare
Erika Sander
March 25, 2009
Lois ... while it's been a bunch of years since our paths crossed, I vividly recall both you and Jack in the context of field hockey during the 1970's and 1980's!! Please know I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers, with very fond memories of yesteryear.
Jeanne D. Byrne
March 24, 2009
Dear Lois,I will always remember the trip to AZ when Ward died. Jack and you had so much to do in such a short time and with overwhelming problems. He never lost his cool, kept his sense of humor, and accomplished all that needed to be done. He was one of my favorite "McCloskeys"Love Jeanne
Pam Gibson
March 23, 2009
What a generous, big-hearted soul Jack was. We will miss his unflappable good humor, and , especially, his pointed jabs at "the truth" of the situation, with a toss of the head, and a rolling of the eyes...
Monica and Steve Wadhwa
March 23, 2009
We will miss Jack's cheerful face at Wilmot during the winter. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Monica and Steve Wadhwa
Pamela Eisenhauer
March 23, 2009
LOIS, I am so sorry for the loss of you husband. Take Care of yourself.
Robert J Emery
March 23, 2009
Lois ~ I am saddened by your loss. Jack will always be a wonderful man. He was generous with his joy and laughter. I will miss him dearly.
Clark & Connie Morong
March 23, 2009
Lois, You and Jack have always been a special part of our trips "up north". Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you. Connie & Clark
Ken Ovryn and Barb Vreeland
March 22, 2009
Jack was rare and special human being who was a genuine, down-to-earth person and true friend. We will miss him very much.
Tim Herzberg
March 22, 2009
Only be able to meet Jack last year at the Wilmot ski area I observed his ability to connect with everybody in a way that made you feel appreciated. He was a true gentleman. No matter how he felt he always made me feel welcome at the ski school and I will miss him. I wish that his family will always keep with them the cherished moments he shared throughout the days he was here. I know that there will always be a part of Jack at the hill and we will never forget him.
The Holcombs -- Alice, Gordon, Janette and Amy
March 22, 2009
Lois,We're so sorry to learn of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have very fond memories ofspending time with Jack and you.