Paul E. Bretz

Paul Edward Bretz, 95, of Villa Grove passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.

Paul was born on September 14, 1929 on the family farm near Broadlands, IL. He was the 4th child of Adolph and Blanche (David) Bretz. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Ayers Township until the 4th grade when they moved to Douglas County and he attended Carmack School in Murdock Township through the 8th grade. He graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1947. He joined the Army Air Corp shortly after and served 2 ½ years in the occupation of Japan and Korea before the Korean War with the 20th Weather Squadron, 5th Air Force. Paul was honorably discharged in 1950 and came back to Villa Grove to work on the family farm. He farmed with his son and grandsons until his retirement.

On January 4, 1953 he married Doris Combs in Murdock, Illinois. She preceded him in death. They were blessed with 3 children: Thomas (Ruth) Bretz, Joyce Bretz, both of Villa Grove and Susie Bretz Yerxa of Woodland Hills, California. They have 6 grandchildren: Rachel (Andy) DeWitt, Timothy (Amanda) Bretz, Jonathan Bretz, Thomas "Ted" Yerxa, Danielle Yerxa, and Julianna Jobe. He also has 2 great-grandchildren: Zachariah DeWitt and Owen Meador.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, one brother Charles (Nancy) Bretz, nieces and nephews, and his long-time employee Jr. (Nancy) Raymer. Preceding him in death was his wife, Dodie, his parents and brothers: Louis Bretz, David Bretz, sisters: Dorothy Balanski, Zella Mae Revell, and Jaunita Baldridge, and 2 infant brothers.

Paul was a member of the Douglas County Farm Bureau and was instrumental in forming Illini FS, serving as Secretary on the first Board of Directors. Paul was a member of the Walter Jones Post VFW in Villa Grove, a member of the President's Counsel of the University of Illinois, the I-Fund, and longtime season ticket holder in basketball and football. Paul loved to support the Junior League Football program and the high school football team, serving many years as part of the chain gang. Paul also served as a Camargo Precinct Committeeman for several years.

In his lifetime, Paul went from helping his dad farm with horses to farming with tractors that can drive by itself, having no phone to the party line to your own personal smartphone, and so many more things that the young boy could never have dreamed about.

Funeral services will be held at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with the visitation starting one hour before the service. Burial will follow the service at the Murdock Cemetery, Murdock, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Villa Grove VFW or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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