Brian Michael Rebac

May 14, 1968 - February 13, 2022

Munster, IN – Brian Michael Rebac, age 53, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 after

fighting multiple illnesses for years.

Brian was born on May 14, 1968 in Hammond, IN to Michaelene Rebac (nee Hluska) and ViktorRebac – the eldest of their four wonderful children. Brian was always concerned about his

family. Protecting and taking care of them was his top priority throughout his entire life.

Brian leaves behind his legacy with all of us, but especially in his son and best friend, Branko

Michael Rebac, who loves him dearly and will hold him in his heart forever. He is also survived

by his adoring parents, Michaelene and Viktor Rebac; his devoted and loving wife, Julie (nee

Vitello); his brother (and best friend), Danny Rebac; his sisters, Viki Bombelli, and Kristie Pound;

mother-in-law, Veronica Vitello; father-in-law, Joseph Vitello; sisters-in-law, Sharon Rebac, and

Ann Marie Hanes; brothers-in-law, Luca Bombelli, Scotty Pound, and Timothy Hanes; dear

nephews, Zac Rebac, Mario Bombelli, and Nico Bombelli. He is also survived by aunts, Kathy

Torres, Laura Hluska, and Ada Zimmerman; uncles John Hluska, Mike Hluska, Branko Rebac,

Gjoko Rebac; Kuma Diane Dixon; and Kum Chuck Dixon. Brian is also survived by numerous

cousins, extended family members, and friends, who all meant the world to him.

Brian was preceded in death by his grandmothers Grams Kathryn McDade, and Nana Ruza

Rebac; grandfathers Grandpa Jim McDade, and Dido Marijan Rebac; aunts, Sandra Gann, Janet

Hluska, Donna Grauvogl, Cindy Jo McDade, and Mira Rebac. Brian was also preceded in death

by numerous extended family members and loved ones.

He was extremely proud of his Croatian heritage, and loved spending time at his family’s home

in Croatia on the island of Ugljan with his Rebac grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brian

was equally proud and connected to his Hluska-Milobar family in Northwest Indiana where his

grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were a large and loving extension of the love and fun

that he, his siblings, and parents had at home. Brian was a standout varsity football player and

varsity swimmer at Gavit High School, before going on to be a first-string lineman for the

Western Illinois University football team. He had numerous friends throughout his life, but he

considered Dwight (“Gordy”) Perry and Tom Harper to be family. He was a die-hard Chicago

Bears fan, a hater of the Green Bay Packers, and an avid outdoorsman – loving camping, hiking,

swimming, and travelling. Brian was a skilled construction manager, who had a keen eye for

details, loved to discuss philosophy and politics, and (because of the mentoring he received

from his father) was the ultimate problem solver, director (or as his brother Danny would say,

“Junior Staff Supervisor”), and handyman. More important than all of these things, Brian was

generous and giving. Even though his 6’5” lineman frame and his deep booming voice were

intimidating to those who did not know him, he was a gentle giant with a heart of gold.

Brian was a loving Tata, son, brother, husband, nephew, uncle, and friend. He enriched

everyone’s lives that he touched.

Please share your memories of Brian to help the family celebrate his life and the impact he had

on others.

Brian’s celebration of life will be private.

Munster, IN – Brian Michael Rebac, age 53, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 after fighting multiple illnesses for years. Brian was born on May 14, 1968 in Hammond, IN to Michaelene Rebac (nee Hluska) and ViktorRebac – the eldest of their four wonderful children. Brian was always concerned aboutContinue Reading

What to Say?See Condolences

I knew Brian from 20+ years ago. We would occasionally interact via Facebook until I grew weary of Facebook. I saw something from Reebok and thought of Rebac. When that name pulled up this picture of Brian's smiling face, it made me happy, until it made me cry. Brian was a good man, and I am profoundly sorry.

My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Brian in high school……I was a cheerleader and new him than. He was a fun person to be around. My prayers are with u and your family Tracy

So sorry to hear about Brian’s passing. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to recruit and coach Brian and his brother Danny. Praying for Brian’s family and friends.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I help recruit him and his brother to Western. Great people. Thoughts and Prayers to the Rebac family and friends. He was true Purple and Gold Leatherneck! ??.

Brian was a teammate at Western Illinois. I will always remember Brian for his big smile and fun outlook on life. He was a great teammate but even better person. My condolences to his family and my prayers are with all of you. He will be missed.

Brian was a teammate at Western Illinois. I will always remember Brian for his Big smile and and fun manor. He was a great teammate but even better person. My condolences to his family and my prayers are will all of you. He will be missed.

I got to know Brian and Danny in college, as dorm neighbors and fellow Croatians. Brian was a kind and genuine soul who stayed in touch over the years through social media who offered well-wishes and condolences through life's ups and downs as well as critiques on the Bears and Croatia's national soccer team. I'm going to miss his check-ins and having one more Croatian Leatherneck that I can count on. He was a real one whose presence made a difference. Go easy, Brian.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.