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BORN
1973
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
4343 Main Street
Downers Grove, Illinois
Brian Bartkowiak Obituary
Born: May 28, 1973; in Hinsdale, IL
Died: Nov. 14, 2014; in Chicago, IL
Brian Bartkowiak, passed away on Friday, November 14, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He was 41.
Brian was born to Don and Diane Bartkowiak on May 28, 1973, in Hinsdale, Illinois. After graduating from Downers Grove North High School in 1991, he earned a B.A. in Environmental Science from Illinois State University in 1995. Brian lived the majority of his adult life in Chicago, the city he loved, where he worked primarily as an environmental consultant. Always industrious and creative, Brian had many endeavors, from the baseball card shop he ran out of his bedroom closet to the mini-burgers he would make and sell at Chicago bars. But those closest to Bart knew his passion was drumming. He started in junior high, when he'd jam in the basement on the drum set his Aunt Eileen bought him, playing along to the Smashing Pumpkins and The Police.
Throughout his life he played in many bands, most of which with his guitarist brother Kevin, and together they were regulars around the Chicago music scene. Their current band, Big Black Bird, had recently released their second album titled A New World Wonder; their most ambitious and accomplished work to date. Bri's playing on the album is an extension of who he was: passionate, spirited, carefree, and easy to appreciate.
Brian is survived by his parents, Don and Diane; and siblings, Kathy (Neil) Lazarski, Dan (Kerri) Bartkowiak, John (Deb) Bartkowiak, Michelle (Jim Henderickson) Bartkowiak, Steve (Marilyn) Bartkowiak, and Kevin Bartkowiak; as well as aunt and uncle, Marianne and Tom; cousins, Tom and Tracy and Tim and Megan; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his aunt, Eileen.
Thanks to all of his friends who came to visit him in the hospital.
Visitation Monday, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Tuesday, 9:15 a.m. from Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home 4343 Main St. (1 blk. S. of Ogden) Downers Grove to St. Joseph Church. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Private.
Donations can be made to the Rock School Scholarship Fund, enclose a note indicating the donation is for the scholarship fund created in Brian's name, School of Rock (Chicago).
For information, 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Bartkowiak
Sponsored by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr.
Kevin Bartkowiak
November 23, 2014
We miss you Bri!!
The Staff of Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan
November 19, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Gloria
November 18, 2014
To the Bartkowiak Family: My condolences for your loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. God's promise to empty the grave in the near future is found at Hosea 13:14. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow.
Rebecca Luginbil
November 17, 2014
How you can show support
Brian at MeritCorp
Rebecca Luginbill
November 17, 2014
Laura Orozco
November 17, 2014
To The Bartkowiak Family,
I had the privilege of knowing Brian through his wonderful Best Friend Joe Arcillas, when he resided in Chicago with Joe. As I lived in the building and use to host friend get together's Joe brought Brian and introduced him to all of his friends in the condo building.
Brian "Bart" quickly became good friends with everyone in the building and in no time became family. Several of us would go and hear Brian and his band play in the city!
Brian was a sweet gentlemen and a good friend to everyone in his company! We were all lucky to have known him and he will be truly missed!
Sincerely,
Laura Orozco and his Friends at 3300 Irving Park Condo !
November 16, 2014
RIP friend. Keep that smile.
James Smolich
Beatrice Mitchell
November 16, 2014
My condolences to the family at this most difficult time. May the God of all comfort help to provide you the strength needed now and in the days ahead.
(Isaiah 12:2)
November 16, 2014
Sending thoughts of comfort, strength and knowledge of God's Love. May he rest in Peace.
With sincere sympathy,
Marie Cronin and Family
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Memorial Events
for Brian Bartkowiak
Nov
17
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Nov
18
Funeral
9:15 a.m.
Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Funeral services provided by:
Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
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Chicago, IL
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