Dennis A. Brebner 1952-2023
Dennis A. Brebner, 71, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, found peace on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a valiant fight with cancer.
He was born on May 7, 1952, to Alex "Sandy" Simpson Brebner and Adeline T. Brebner (nee Baldwin) of Lake Forest.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 44 years, Maureen (nee Thunder); son Christopher (Angela) Thunder, and their children Michelle, Catherine, Alyssa, Dylan, and Dalton; son Ryan (Megan) Brebner, and their children Patrick, Claire, and William; daughter Laura (Charles III) Robbins, and their son, Charles IV; and daughter Elizabeth (Jeremiah) Hintz, and their daughters Adeline and Avalee; as well as his brothers, Richard (Nancy) and Thomas (Josephine) Brebner. He is preceded in death by his oldest brother William "Bill" (surviving Cheryl) Brebner.
Upon graduation from Lake Forest High School in 1970, Dennis attended the University of Illinois-Champaign, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1974. Dennis quickly secured a position as an Administrative Aide for the Lake County Department of Personnel until transferring to the DuPage County Personnel Department to serve as Executive. By 1980, he returned to Lake County as Assistant Personnel Director, and graduated with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from DePaul University Law School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1982. In 1986, Dennis founded the Law Firm of Robinson and Brebner. In 1992, Dennis established R&B Solutions and continued to practice law under Dennis A. Brebner and Associates. Both his company and law firm focused on helping those in need by working with hospitals and state governments to advocate for the uninsured, protect student borrowers from default, and securing disability benefits. One of his greatest accomplishments occurred when Dennis successfully challenged the State of Illinois' "sudden onset" requirement for medicaid in the Illinois Supreme Court on behalf of an Illinois hospital, establishing precedent used to this day.
Dennis was known for his generosity, love of family, and his incredible judge of character. Dennis enjoyed long walks through the woods and around his treasured hometown with his family and beloved dogs. He adored playing with his grandchildren. He loved taking his boat on Lake Michigan, delighted in ice cream on a beautiful day in the Square with family and going for a summer drive. Dennis was a natural orator with an entrepreneurial spirit, a fervent interest in politics, kind and warm, and always willing to fiercely protect his loved ones and care for those dear to him. He possessed a wealth of stories, great appreciation of history and genealogy, an unwavering integrity, and dedication to providing his family with the best possible life without concern for himself. Although he will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the memories of his family.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Stop EtO in Lake County campaign and advocate against the dangerous emissions of ethylene oxide.