Brian Lane

Brian Lee Lane, 72, of Rockton, IL, passed away on October 6, 2023, at UW Health in Rockford, IL after a devastating cardiac arrest event earlier in the week. He entered eternal peace surrounded by his family while listening to the Beatles song “Let It Be”. Brian was born on May 16, 1951, in Rockford, IL to Ovid and Margaret (Gruner) Lane. He attended Belvidere High School and had a happy childhood along with his sisters, Shelby and Melanie, and many aunts, uncles and cousins who lived near him. He married Joyce Ruehl on June 17, 1972, in Belvidere, IL, and they went on to have two beloved daughters, Heather and Amber. While Brian and Joyce divorced early in their marriage, they remained friends throughout his life. Brian held several jobs, but his favorite was working for several years at Bohlman Water Consultants in Belvidere, IL, where he had a devoted following from his clients, wooing them with his friendliness and charm.  Brian had strength and stubbornness which were forged after wrestling with unfathomable challenges throughout his life, including surviving the Belvidere tornado in 1967 where several lives were lost on the bus he was riding and two bouts of cancer in the past decade. Brian’s happy place was hanging out with friends and family in “Aunt Ruth’s woods”, listening to records, grilling out and rooting for/swearing at the Bears and Cubs. He will be remembered for his passion for music and his extensive and eclectic vinyl collection, his love for fishing, teasing his loved ones (especially the younger generation), his soft spot for dogs (especially Skeets and Tank, who predeceased him, and grand-pup Charlie), and his “good morning” texts that he would send most mornings to his family. He often said his greatest accomplishments were his two daughters and being “Ahpa” to his four grandchildren, Aiden, Logan, Ava and Kira.
Brian left behind many loved ones including: his sweet mother, Margaret (Gruner) Lane of Rockton, IL; his daughters, Heather (Jeff) Gallenbeck of Glenview, IL and Amber (Helmuth) Fendel of Lindenhurst, IL; grandchildren Aiden Fendel, Logan Gallenbeck, Ava Fendel and Kira Gallenbeck; former wife and good friend, Joyce (Ruehl) Lane of Belvidere, IL; sisters Shelby (Barry) Miller and Melanie (Bruce) Schewe of Rockton, IL; nieces Ashley (Tony) Nicosia and Alyson (Jarrett) Larkin; great-nieces and nephews Drake Nicosia, Gavin Larkin, Soyer Nicosia and Hattie Nicosia; and many cousins. Brian was predeceased by his father, Ovid Lane. A private gathering will be held to celebrate his life. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL. www.statelinecremations.com