Brennen Saele, age 17, of New Lenox, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. He was born in Oak Lawn, IL, to Michael and Genesis (nee Scapardine ) Saele.

Brennen was the beloved son of Michael and Genesis and the loving brother of Landen Saele. He was the cherished grandson of Marty and Sheila Saele and the late Rita Gaulin; dear nephew of Gina (Frank) Lacny, Pete (Sheri) Saele, Jason (Christine) Scapardine, and Angela (Mark D’Andrea) Scapardine; and loved cousin of Frankie, Marissa, and Andrew Lacny, Peter, Gia, and Carina Saele, Henry and Kate Scapardine, and Austin D’Andrea. He also leaves behind countless friends who loved him dearly.

Brennen was a Senior at Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox, where he was a Peer Buddy with the Best Buddies Program. He had a heart that was impossible to miss. Brennen loved deeply and loved hard. He had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved simply by being himself. His smile could light up a room, and his infectious laugh and joyful spirit will forever be remembered by those who were lucky enough to know him.

Brennen cherished his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with the people he loved. He loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to him. He was the kind of person who gave so much of himself to others, and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation in Brennen’s memory to one of two organizations that hold special meaning to our family: The Marfan Foundation, which supports individuals and families affected by genetic conditions, including Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS), the condition Brennen lived with; or the Best Buddies Program at Lincoln-Way Central High School, which promotes friendship, inclusion, and meaningful connections among students.

The family welcomes everyone at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Mass is at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox, IL, on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM.