MARCO ISLAND, Fla (WAND) – Longtime public official and former Decatur mayor Erik Brechnitz has died at the age of 87.
According to City of Marco Island officials, Brechnitz passed away April 21 following a period of illness. He most recently served as a city councilman in Marco Island, where he held the position for eight years, including four years as council chairman.
Brechnitz moved to Marco Island in 1995 after a long career in public service in Decatur. He served on the Decatur City Council for 10 years before being elected mayor, a role he held for four years.
In addition to his work in government, Brechnitz had a career in financial services, most recently with Raymond James & Associates. He was a graduate of the University of Missouri and also served in the United States Air Force.
Brechnitz was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Nancy, who passed away in 2024, and his son, Erik Jr., who died in 2020.
Community members in both Illinois and Florida are remembering Brechnitz for his decades of public service and lasting impact on the communities he served.
Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
