Brian Wallace Obituary

Brian James Wallace, age 40, formerly of Savanna, IL, passed in his home in Waukegan, IL, on June 29, 2025. A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, July 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Manny's Pizza, in Savanna. A graveside memorial service will be held at Savanna Spring Lake Cemetery on Wednesday, July 9, at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Brian was born October 12, 1984, in Charleston, SC, the son of John "Lance" and Lori (Lundquist) Wallace. In Brian's early childhood, his family moved to Minnesota when his mother fell ill, to be closer to his maternal family. In 1986, Brian lost his mother, and shortly thereafter, had a new mother figure in his life, Karen. They made their home in Denver, CO, before moving to the Streamwood/Elgin area. Over the next several years, they lived in Guam and New Jersey, due to his father's Navy deployments. They eventually settled in Savanna where Brian attended Savanna schools from first grade through his high school graduation, in 2003.
During these formative years, Brian made many lifelong friends through school and sports. He loved playing sports with buddies and was a member of the baseball, basketball and football teams, at Savanna High School. "B-Wall" as he was fondly known by his teammates and friends, earned a reputation as a skilled and tough player. In basketball he was given the nickname "chunky butt" for bullying his way to the basket, and crossing and hot-saucing opponents, on the court. Off the playing field, Brian was known for his clever one-liners and his kindness and loyalty to his friends. His classmates described Brian as such, "he was never the brightest crayon in the box, but he was always the first crayon picked."
In June of 2003, Brian followed in the footsteps of his father and brother, enlisting in the United States Navy. He was placed in a school in San Antonio, TX, to become a culinary specialist, and was then transferred to the naval station at Pearl Harbor, HI. He enjoyed all of the opportunities that Hawaii had to offer, going to the beach regularly, and spending time sightseeing with his friends. During this time he was part of a mine countermeasure crew, MCM Reaper. He proudly served in his culinary position until he was picked for a position in Okinawa, Japan, working directly for the admiral of the base. Following his honorable discharge in 2009, Brian attended some college classes at Black Hawk College, then worked for various restaurants in the Quad Cities and later factory work in Wisconsin. Ultimately, he settled in Waukegan, working at a veteran hospital.
Brian was the type to be calm and quiet during the storm, but struggled with his own demons after his time in the Navy, often turning to alcohol, which ultimately led to his untimely passing. But even through his many struggles and his search for purpose, he was always ready and willing to answer the call from a friend in need.
Brian, your song has ended, but the melody will live on forever. You're now free of earthly limitations, to enjoy all the best things for eternity. Fair winds and following seas, brother and a faithful friend!
Brian will be dearly missed by his brother, Jason (Crystal Curran) Wallace, of Ashland, OR; step-mother, Karen Wallace, of Savanna; nieces, McKenna and Violet Rose; nephew, Kai; and many dear friends. Brian is preceded in death by his mother, Lori and father, Lance.