John E. Brill

John was the best man at our wedding on November 9, 1952.  My husband, Bob, and John were the best of friends growing up in Lincoln on Sumner Street.  We lost touch with John for a long time, and then our friend, Larry Opper, gave us John's e-mail address.  I have corresponded with John for many years, though Bob was never computer literate and chose not to be.  However, I passed many of John's e-mails to Bob, especially those concerning the Germans from Russia articles. 

There is a Germans from Russia museum in Lincoln that houses some very interesting histories about both Bob's and John's genealogical history.  John was so interested in finding about about his ancestors and did a lot of research going as far back as five or six generations.  He wanted his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to know about their backgrounds because he felt the Brill heritage was so important.  I'm sure he has many files about that subject.  He was so interested in world affairs and history and shared that with me over the years.  I have learned so much from him and will treasure those memories as long as I live.  I will miss him so much.

I hope with all my heart that Bob and John will be playing touch football and wrestling again.  They were very special guys.

My deepest sympathy is with all of you at this trying time. 

Sincerely,

Edith M. Reitz
1608 Rockhurst Avenue
Kettering, Ohio 45420

I am sorry to learn of John passing. He was a good friend of mine.

We were school mates in high school. Then in the early 50's we again

found ours selves after graduating from university in Ohio. Spent some

times together then with Bob Reitz his friend. Then about a dozen years ago

we discovered ourselves on the Internet and been exchanging emails ever since.

Perhaps sending emails several a day at times.  We enjoyed remembering the Lincoln

neighborhood with all the friends and experiences of growing up there. We found that even his

mother was related to my wife's Giebelhaus ancestors. John would send me numerous

emails on things that interested him, current events, and about every train picture

and train videos he found on the Internet.

I will sure will miss John.

I give thanks for a great freind.

I offer my consolence to his family

Larry Opper

Raymond L. Opper

5489 So. Kearney Street

Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111-1422

Phone 303-771-2910

email rlopper@att.net

I sure would appreciate hearing from John"s family.