Dr. Barbara Rae Brehm, 80, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Urbana, IL.

Barbara was born on Sept. 16, 1944, in Decatur, IL to Robert Frank Brehm and Alberta Viola (Hilgenberg) Brehm. Barb's early years were spent on the home farm near Chesterville,IL with her mother, loving Aunt Juanita (Hilgenberg) Dallmier, Uncle Jennings and Thelma Hilgenberg and her Grandfather Henry Hilgenberg. Her father was serving his country in Southeast Asia as World War II was raging. She attended grade school in Arcola and high school in Arthur, graduating in 1962. She received her bachelor's in education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, her Master's and Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in computer science from the University of Illinois.

She began her career teaching in Maryville, IL and taught until becoming a full time Mom once her sons were born. She started the Windmill Preschool in Marine, IL with her good friend Shirley Mills. The preschool is still in operation. After returning to the farm in the 1970's, Barb became a school librarian and taught at Cerro Gordo, IL. She later moved to Urbana, IL where she taught in Saint Joseph, IL and then worked for the Regional Office of Education in Champaign County while studying for her advanced degrees.

Dr. Brehm first taught at Eastern Montana College and finished her career as a professor at ISU in Bloomington. Her return to Illinois came after having a recurring dream of standing in the field gazing on the family farm house. Upon retirement Barb began traveling North America in her motor home. She made many friends and saw all of America, much of Canada, and Newfoundland. She eventually returned to the Brehm family farm to spend more time with her family and young grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sons Robert (Rachel) Guennewig of Champaign, and Todd (Kari) Guennewig of Arcola,; two sisters, Beverly (Dave) Pryor and Brenda Reeser both of Arcola; and four grandchildren: Dinah, Mabel, Alan, and Adam.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 18. 2025 at the Arcola United Methodist Church with Pastor Seth Emerson officiating.  Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.  Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to CCAR Industries or Arcola United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hilligossshraderfh.com.