Kristen N. Breyer, 77, a resident of Wauconda, IL, passed away June 28, 2026 at Journeycare Hospice in Barrington, IL.  She was born August 26, 1948 in Chicago, IL to Edwin and Lucille Szymczak.

Kristen "Kris" was loved by many.  She had a vibrant life that was filled with so many adventures and experiences. 

She held a Master's degree in Environmental Biology from North Eastern Illinois University.  As well as a Bachelor's in  Field Biology and a minor in Chemistry from University of Illinois at Chicago.

In Kris's many years of teaching, she taught at Visitation High School in Chicago, Mount Carmel High School, and Highland Park High School.  She was active with many of the clubs associated through the schools.  Later Kris worked in Round Lake Park District's National Museum for many years.  Some of her duties included organizing and presenting educational programs.

Kris could have been found volunteering at the Lake County Forest Preserves District.  She was instrumental in the creation of their Civil War program.  Her duties included educational programs and botanical identification.  

Kris would meet her future husband Al, while they attended the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Their son, Raymond, would soon join their little family.  Their home was always open to all of their friends.  

Kris had many hobbies including, but not limited to showing Morgan horses.  She became involved with the American Morgan Horse Association in 1979 with the Fashion Stacked Deck (Decker)- her first horse.  She would go to show many Morgans in several disciplines.  She was a member of the AMHA Board of Directors for many years.  

Her love of Basenji dogs began when she was a child.  Kris would go on to show them as an adult.  

For those closest to Kris, family and friends, they'll remember, "Just try it!"

Kris is survived by her husband of 56 years, Allen Breyer, whom she wed on May 2, 1970 in Chicago, IL, her son Raymond (Candice) Breyer of Elgin, IL, her grandchildren Vivian Breyer, and Alexander Breyer both of Elgin, IL, and her siblings Conrad (Kathy) Szymczak of Takoma, WA and Roberta (Robert) Szymczak of Elgin, IL.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Morgan Horse Association, Southeast Wisconsin Basenji Club, and/or the Round Lake Area Garden Club.  

All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.