Alexander Petrenko, age 72, of Brookfield, IL. Alex was born in Chicago, IL in 1951 to Ivan and Nadeschda Petrenko, and raised in Harwood Heights, IL. Alex met his wife Gail (née Grossmann) in 1970 at a post-Thanksgiving party and spent 54 loving years together, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They moved to Brookfield and raised three beautiful children, Elizabeth (Scott), John (Danica), and Gerard (Amilia) together.

Alex was kind, loyal, and soft spoken. He was well read and had many interests including nature, fishing, hiking, music, and history. Alex most loved exploring America’s natural wonders through his many road trips with his family, as well as their annual Northwoods vacation, with longtime friends. After his retirement from Sterling J. Morton East High School in 2017, he and his wife enjoyed their free time with adventures to New England, California, the Southwest, and elsewhere.

Alex is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail (née Grossmann), daughter Elizabeth (Scott), sons Gerard (Amilia) and John (Danica), and his sister, Lillian.

Visitation 4 to 8pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55^th Street, Countryside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Nature Conservancy (https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1) or The Morton Arboretum (https://mortonarb.org/).

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025  at The Morton Arboretum from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Funeral information: (708) 352-6500