James K. Podbregar

James K. Podbregar, 57, of Sleepy Hollow, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Jim was born April 25, 1959 to Frank Podbregar and Maxine (Koehler) Podbregar in Elgin, Illinois. He was the youngest of five siblings: Barbara Schumann, Margaret Gamble, Josephine Ortman, and Carl Podbregar. Jim was married on April 26, 1980 to the love of his life, Debra (Standley) Podbregar, and they recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. Jim was a loving husband, proud father, devoted firefighter, and selfless friend. Jim and Debbie were high school sweethearts. He always said she made his life wonderful and that “he would lasso the moon” for her; a second away from each other was like a lifetime away for them. As a father, Jim instilled the value of hard work in his four children, and he was so proud to see all of them graduate from college. Jim’s passion for family and interest in genealogy resulted in Podbregars connecting around the world; his Slovenian družina brought him so much joy. Jim was an Aurora Firefighter and Paramedic for 18 years and AFD was always considered an extension of his family. To his brethren at AFD, he was known as “Pops,” striving to be a mentor and always lead by example. Outside of work, Jim loved working on projects around his home and was always the first one to lend a hand if a friend needed help on a project of their own. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Debra (Standley) Podbregar; son Christopher Podbregar and his wife Kimberly Wiedmeyer; daughter Kimberley (Podbregar) Lavelle and her husband Ryan Lavelle; two daughters April Podbregar and Stephanie Podbregar; three sisters Barbara Schumann, Margaret Gamble, Josephine Ortman; father-in-law George Standley, mother-in-law Marlene (Heuschmidt) Standley, loving in-laws , nieces, and nephews; brother and sister firefighters, extended family in Slovenia, and many lifelong friends. Jim is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lukas Podbregar and Barbara (Kobilsek) Podbregar; maternal grandparents, Carl Koehler and Ida May (French) Koehler; parents Frank Podbregar and Maxine (Koehler) Podbregar; and brother Carl Podbregar. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 23, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Church 120 South Lancaster Avenue, Aurora, Illinois, Chaplin Dan Peters will officiate. Final Call and Honors will be held at Aurora Fire Station 4, 800 Michels Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Jim’s family.

James K. Podbregar

April 25, 1959 - May 18, 2016