Brian Allen Schleef, born August 28, 1974, in Watseka, IL, passed away Monday, November 9, at the age of 52 at his home in Decatur, IL. Surviving are his wife, Emily, and his son, Eli. Brian absolutely adored his son. He loved his son with all his heart and was a wonderful father. He and Eli shared their love of computers, 3D printing, and gaming. Brian said Eli was better at most games than he was.
Brian was the beloved son of Randall and Gloria Schleef of Milford. Also surviving are his brother and best friend, Eric, sister-in-law, Dani, and two nieces, Audrey (Audie) and Miriam (Miri), all of Western Springs, IL.
Brian enjoyed his BMW and Porsche cars. He and Eli loved speed, the faster the better. Brian enjoyed working on his cars. He was a self-taught mechanic and did most car repairs himself.
One of his loves in his younger years was motorcycles or should we say several motorcycles. He sold his last motorcycle when he became a father. He had recently talked about getting another motorcycle because he missed riding one.
Brian loved cooking and made all types of different dishes. He prided himself on his culinary skills. He jokingly told his parents’ friends he had cooked several different types of food his parents would never have tried before he cooked for them. He said they even liked it.
Brian worked for Caterpillar in Peoria, IL, where he met and married Emily and where Eli was born. Brian and his family then moved to Seattle, WA, where he worked for Amazon for approximately ten years. He recently moved back to the Midwest to be closer to family.
Brian’s family and friends will miss him deeply. He is gone from us too soon.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford and also one hour prior to the funeral service.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford with Rev. Terry Strom officiating. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford.
Memorials may be made to Eli’s Education Fund.
Please share a memory of Brian at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
