By Caryl Dierksen Last week I received an email from a politician asking for a contribution. There’s nothing unusual about that. But the subject line …
August 29, 2025
Brian Kennedy Buckley, 64, of Woodstock, died on Friday May 30, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in McHenry.
He was born in Woodstock on Oct. 3, 1960, to Ed and Frances Buckley.
Brian attended Woodstock High School, where he participated in tennis, basketball, and baseball and graduated in 1979. He also attended Western Illinois University.
Brian met his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Carol in sixth grade. They were happily married for over 37 years. Brian’s constant strength, companionship, wisdom, and laughter will be forever missed.
He is survived by his wife, Carol (née Carey); daughter, Abby (Eric) Luhrsen; son, Jack Buckley; sisters, Nora Watson (Ernie Johnson) and Sheila Veltus; brother, Kevin (Mary) Buckley; many nieces and nephews; and a very special grandson due in October.
A devoted husband, father, and soon-to-be grandfather, Brian was a friend to many in Woodstock, where he spent his entire life. Brian also developed long-lasting business relationships and personal friendships with a large group of customers through his 23-year career at Kleen Air.
Being a huge Bears fan, Sunday games were a special family time regardless of how the Bears performed.
Brian was also an avid sportsman. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting with family, friends and customers. Brian will be remembered for his tremendous sense of humor. He loved nothing more than making his loved ones and friends laugh. Through his difficult diagnosis, his doctors were inspired by his positive spirit and irreverent sense of humor.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Frances Buckley; in-laws, John and Barbara Carey; and brother-in-law, David Carey.
Visitation will be held at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave, Woodstock, on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name may be made to the Huntley Animal House Shelter or the American Lung Association.
