Leon Joseph Brickl, 88, of Rochelle, IL passed away, July 26, 2025. Leon was born in Plain, WI on March 1, 1937 to Michael and Loretta(Aaron) Brickl. He was raised on the Brickl family farm until the age of 10 and then his family moved into town in Sauk City, WI.
On May 6,1960, he married Betty Elaine Higley of Poynette, WI. Together, they had two daughters, Valorie J. Chandler and Christilla E. McCaffrey and a son Derek J. Brickl who was lost in childbirth. In early 1961 Leon and Betty moved from Sauk City, WI to Illinois where Leon began employment with Swift meat packing company. They made their permanent home in Rochelle for the next 60 years. He was a devout Catholic, a member of St Patrick's Catholic Church of Rochelle and made sure his daughters had a good spiritual foundation. Even while camping, he would find the nearest Catholic church to attend Sunday mass.
Leon entered the Navy eager to serve his country.  Upon the Navy learning he was too young, the military had no choice but to release him from service.  He enjoyed nice cars, was always under the hood, kept them cleaned and polished ready on weekends to take his family on long country drives.
During his life, Leon was a devoted husband and father. He was a big supporter of Betty's on-going projects and in the later years took care of all of her needs. For many years he took care of his girls while Betty worked nights, making sure he took them to the library for their weekly books and going to afterschool functions.
Music was a big part of Leon's life. In his late teens he played saxophone in a band. Playing only by ear, he mastered multiple musical instruments and loved to gather with his family and friends to play Hawaiian guitar, and the organ.  He was always ready for a game of cards or going to parties. If Leon wasn't working or going on trips, he liked to tinker in the garage and create gadgets that we would put to use throughout the home. Oh, the many gadgets! Leon enjoyed going out to eat. If there was a Chinese buffet, he was all in.
Leon was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Brickl and Duane(Marilyn) Brickl, and two sisters, Dorothy Ann(Cyril) Heiser, Rita(Robert) Friede. He is survived by Valorie and Christilla(partner Ron Standard of 13 yrs), sister Ellen(Jay) Jerrett, and sister-in-law Marilyn Brickl.
Left to cherish memories of their grandpa are three granddaughters, three grandsons, and two great grandchildren.
To his girls, Leon will always be remembered, for his laid-back demeanor, willingness to quickly forgive, and his amusing sense of humor. He will be dearly missed.
Leon's service will be a private family gathering, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at St Patrick Catholic Church and his ashes will be interred beside his wife Betty at St Patrick Catholic Cemetery.