Obituary for BJ Elsasser

Princeville—Brian John “BJ” Elsasser, II, 17, of Princeville, died at 7:02 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center Emergency Department.
BJ was born July 13, 1992, the son of Brian John and Mary Beth Menold Elsasser.
Surviving are his parents and two brothers, Jeremy Gray of Bloomington and Michel Elsasser of Princeville; three sisters, Jamie (Matt) Gray-Palmer, Alexandra Elsasser, and Paige Elsasser, all of Princeville; maternal grandmother, Lucille Menold of Dunlap; paternal grandmother, Lillian Elsasser of Peoria; one nephew, Coley Palmer of Princeville; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were very dear to him. He was preceded in death by both grandfathers, John Elsasser and William Menold; and four uncles, Duane Menold, Dale Zimmerman, Mark Elsasser, and Steve Elsasser.
BJ would have been a junior at Princeville High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America. He worked in the summers for Economy Builders in Princeville. He was a member of Sheridan Road Apostolic Christian Church, where he was an active member of the church young group. BJ was very spiritual and involved in his church. He was passionate in his love for his God, his Savior Jesus Christ, his family, and all of his friends. BJ battled a heart condition all of his life and survived four heart surgeries. His physical heart was weak, but his heart for others was very strong. BJ loved to smile, laugh, and share a word of encouragement to all he met. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Dale Geiss and Drs. Shah, Albers, and Chan, as well as all of the wonderful nurses who cared for BJ through the years.
A service celebrating BJ’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at Sheridan Road Apostolic Christian Church in Peoria. Ministers of the church will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 7329 W. Highway 150, Edwards (one mile west of Weaver Angus Farms). Additional visitation will be at the church from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in the Princeville Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Brian J. Elsasser, II, Memorial Fund in care of Princeville State Bank, which will be dispersed to several charities of which BJ was supportive, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements. Private condolences may be sent to the family via www.hammitt-hott.com.