Mr. Bret L. Austin, 63, passed away unexpectedly at 1:29 am, Friday, July 28, 2023, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
Bret was born September 5, 1959, in Galesburg, the son of Leonard and Betty J. (Anderson) Austin. He married Kimberly B. Wilcoxen on August 5, 1989, in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kim; his daughter, Jaimie Jo Austin of Galesburg; his sister, Carla Bledsoe of Galesburg; his three granddaughters, Milynn, Azlynn and Roslynn Taylor; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Bret graduated from Galesburg High School. He worked as a production scheduler for Heat and Control for over twenty years and was still currently working. Bret was an avid Chicago sports fan loving the Bulls, the Bears, White Sox and the Chicago Blackhawks. Bret’s true love was shopping with his wife and spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley when he could get away.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Services will follow at the chapel at 6:00 pm with Chaplain Jordan Knight officiating. Memorials may be made to the family c/o Kimberly Austin to establish a memorial fund at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
