Jeffrey Christian Silhan

Jeffrey Christian Silhan, age 72, passed away on Nov. 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago on March 25, 1952, Jeff spent his life putting goodness into the world. As a Chicago Fire Department Paramedic (Ret.), Member of Local 2, Director of Musichorale and many church choirs for nearly 50 years, and a Medinah Shriner, his generous heart was on display nearly every day. 

He married the love of his life, Linda Bruzek, in June 1979. Throughout their 45-year marriage, he loved traveling with her and just being together. Jeff often said that marrying Lin was “the best thing I ever did.” Together, they kept stunning homes in both the Beverly neighborhood and Lake Geneva, Wis.  

Jeff was also fiercely dedicated to his family. Daughter Sarah (Anthony) Koehler and son Brian (Diana) Silhan, along with grandchildren Nathaniel Christian and Olivia Virginia, were his greatest joys. He loved spending time with those he loved, especially for holiday gatherings, but he also loved the quieter times of year. He definitely didn’t need a holiday as an excuse to “eat, drink, and be merry.” He loved sharing meals, conversation, and fellowship with his extended family and many friends. 

He loved having breakfast with a group of firemen or the ladies from Musichorale, grabbing lunch after golfing with friends from his college days, or meeting his longtime friends for dinner, watching a football game (Go Bears!), or just sitting at someone’s house and chatting for hours. 

He talked often with his brother Marc Silhan, and they frequented many a local spot for a hot coffee and a hearty meal. His sister Cindy (Keith) Gansel and their children spent hundreds of “days at the lake” – swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet-skiing, and enjoying the sunshine.  

His longtime friends Roger and Doris Engemann, David Brentz, and so many others – too many to even name – are cherished and so very loved. His cousins, Janet (Jay) Tuthill, Susan (Charles) Owens, and Carol (Jim) Marshall, brought him endless joy. 

Much like his own father, Jeff could often be seen in his recliner with a cherished family dog on his lap and a cup of coffee on the side table. His beloved Pomeranian, Rocky, was his best buddy, and we take comfort knowing that somewhere in Heaven, Jeff has been reunited with all the “wifis” (pronounced “Wiffies”) he loved through the years. 

Jeff was proud of the CFD and all they stood for, but he was never more proud than when he got to pin a badge on Brian on June 10, 2009. Jeff’s name is inscribed on the beautiful Chicago Fire Department Firefighter and Paramedic Retiree Memorial at the Quinn Fire Academy. 

If you knew Jeff, you knew what it meant to laugh with your whole body, to literally laugh until you cried. You knew what it meant to be kind and generous, and to help someone in need. He and Linda owned Snackville Junction in Evergreen Park for 21 years, and with their staff, served free Thanksgiving Dinners to anyone who came in that day. When asked why he did it, he always said, “Because they need it, and because we can.”

He taught his children that “if money can fix it, it’s not a real problem.” As his health declined, he still never lost the ability to laugh – at himself or others. Jeff taught us all to enjoy the little things in life, to stop and enjoy everything from the changing colors of the seasons, to a chocolate long john with a great cup of Dunkin’ coffee, to a breezy morning on the patio or deck in Lake Geneva. 

We wish for all of you to remember Jeff by singing your favorite songs, gathering with your favorite people, and enjoying your favorite meals. Hug people. Tell them you love them. Be kind. Be generous. Make the world better because you are a part of it. That’s what Jeffrey always did. 

Visitation Sunday from 3-8 PM at the Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, IL 60465. Family and friends will gather Monday 9 a.m. directly at Good Shepherd, Lutheran Church (7800 S. McCarthy Rd Palos Heights for Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ignite the Spirit or Tunnel to Towers.