Dr. Matthew W. Bretz Obituary (2012)

Dr. Matthew W. Bretz, D.C., was born on March 28, 1960, in Belleville, Illinois, a son of Matthew J. and Marge (Weckman) Bretz; his parents survive in Carlyle. He married Sandra Korte on September 24, 2005, in Carlyle and she also survives in Carlyle. Dr. Bretz graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic and was the owner and founder of Med+Plus Physical Medicine in Carlyle and Maryville. He was the owner of Bretz Development, Wildlife Estates, and Clarion Apartments in Carlyle. In partnership with his wife, he also owned Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery and Wildlife Cabins. Dr. Bretz was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and a member of the Safari Club International. He loved big game hunting, boating, travel and wine. Dr. Matthew W. Bretz, D.C., entered into rest on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was 52 years of age. In addition to his parents and wife, Dr. Bretz is also survived by a daughter - Sarah Bretz of Carlyle; a son - Matthew "Gunner" Bretz of Carlyle; 2 step-daughters - Abbie Switzer and Chelsie Switzer of Carlyle; a sister - Cindy Van Winkle and husband David of Carlyle; a brother - Dr. Craig Bretz of Sullivan, Illinois; his mother-and father-in-law - Cyril "Pete" and Jane Korte of Trenton; 2 brothers-in-law - Gregg Korte and wife Celeste of Edwardsville and Kevin Korte and wife Kathy of Breese; 4 sisters-in-law - Gloria Toennies and husband Kenneth of Trenton, Jan Couch and husband Cliff, Tammy Schutzenhofer and husband Luke and Karen Boulanger and husband Jon, all of Highland and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Kalahari Hall at Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery in Carlyle on Friday, December 21, 2012, with Fr. George Mauck and Rev. Keith Michaels, officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Kalahari Hall. The Bretz family will greet friends at Zieren Day Funeral Home in Carlyle on Friday, December 21 from 1:00 - 6:30 P.M. Donations in Dr. Bretz's memory are suggested to the Shining Stars Foundation and will be received at Zieren Day Funeral Home. Previous EventsVisitation Friday, December 21, 2012 Zieren Funeral Home 1111 Clinton Street Carlyle, IL 62231 Celebration of Life Servce Friday, December 21, 2012 Kalahari Hall at Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery 15469 Illinois Rt. 127 Carlyle, IL 62231