In Loving Memory of Brad Urban

With grateful hearts for a life fully lived, we announce that Brad Urban, age 63, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He is now free from suffering, resting in eternal peace alongside the loved ones who went before him.

Born on August 29, 1962, in Waukegan, IL, Brad grew up in Lake Villa. He graduated from Grant Community High School with the Class of 1982 before continuing his education at Wyoming Technical Institute. A true and devoted mechanic, Brad poured his immense passion for fixing things into his work, most recently sharing his talents with the guys and gals at Salem Auto Service in Salem, WI.

When he wasn’t under the hood of a car, Brad lived for the outdoors. You could frequently find him out on the calm waters fishing, or feeling the true freedom of the open road, riding his Harley-Davidson through the back roads. Riding through the mountains of Colorado, with his son Nicholas, was his favorite place to ride.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, James E. Urban; his mother, Marjorie A. (Dickson) Matsie; his stepfather, Rocco A. Matsie; and his brother, Todd A. Urban; along with his beloved grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly, including his cherished son, Nicholas D. Urban of Fort Collins, CO; his devoted sister, Kim (Urban) Couture of Kenosha, WI; his dear uncle, David A. Dickson (Karen) of Eben Junction, MI; and his close friend and stepmother, Terry Matsie of Lake Villa, IL. He is also survived by many loving cousins, extended family members, and close friends.

Brad gave all he had until the end, including donating his Cornea’s to Lion’s World Vision Institute. The family wishes to send a special, heartfelt shout-out to his lifelong high school friends, David Meyer and Ed (and Diane) Pecoraro, for their enduring, unwavering friendship throughout the years, as well as a warm thank you to all "the kids from the neighborhood" who made life so memorable.

Celebration of Life

In true alignment with Brad’s spirit, a Celebration of Life is being planned for his birthday:

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: The Sandlots of Salem, 9251 Antioch Road, Salem, WI

Please join us to raise a glass, smile, and share your favorite stories and memories of Brad. Come as you are, just as Brad would have wanted.