Jeff "Critter" Newell, age 45, a resident of Studio City, CA and formerly a resident of West Chicago, IL, died at home. He was born on March 26, 1966 in Chicago to William and Marilyn Newell.

He grew up in West Chicago and attended Wheaton Christian Grammar School, Wheaton Christian High School and Wheaton College. He was a self taught sound engineer and worked for major bands, including "Guns N' Roses," in Chicago and for the last 15 years in Los Angeles. He was currently working with "Angels & Airwaves." He loved his work, was a gifted writer, enjoyed reading and the outdoors.

Jeff is survived by his parents, William and Marilyn Newell of Bensenville, IL, his sister, Jodi (Steve), two nieces, Heidi and Katherine and a nephew, Brian.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from 9:30 to 11 and also following the service. Interment is private.

Memorials may be directed to Evangelical Child and Family Agency, 1530 North Main Street Wheaton, IL 60187-3584, Wheaton Christian Grammar School, 1N350 Taylor Dr, Winfield, IL 60190, or Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road West Chicago IL 60185.

Information is available at Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.