Gerald "Jerry" Bruecker

Gerald “Jerry” Bruecker, age 92, of Hollandtown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.  Jerry was born on May 25, 1927, son of the late George and Ceilia (Brochtrup) Bruecker and was raised on his parent’s farm in Askeaton.  On September 22, 1949 he married Bernice Berken at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Wrightstown and together they have celebrated almost 70 years of marriage.  Jerry served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He was a member of St. Francis parish in Hollandtown where he served as an usher for many years.

Jerry was the first employee of Badger Northland, co-founded by his father, and worked there his entire career. He had a very inventive mind and had patented designs there in his early days. He always said he loved his job. If you had a project, he had an outside the box idea and the ability to make it happen. He left his mark in many places and we will have reminders of him and his work everywhere. The people at Menards already wonder what’s going on.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Bernice, children; Dan “Boogs” (Joan) Bruecker, Chuck (Jodi) Bruecker, Tim (Cindy) Bruecker, and Ginny (Kevin) Kihl.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Ellie and Katy Bruecker, Ben and Bailee Bruecker, Jack and Charlie Bruecker, and Sam, Eli and Jenna Kihl; a sister, Georgianna “Babe” (Bill) McGinnis; 4 sister’s-in-law; Arlene Bruecker, Mary Berken, Lorraine Berken, and Rita Berken.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law Virginia and Al Berken, his brother and best friend, Roger, his sisters, Beatrice (Frank) Van Lanen and Grace (Nick) Ruys, and his in-laws Lloyd (Blanche) Berken, Gordon Berken, Emmett Berken, Jerry (Verna) Berken, Margie (Ed) Spierings, Mae (Jerome) Kuepper, and Dale Berken

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2019 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, St. Francis Church, 433 County Rd. CE, Hollandtown, with Fr. Willard Van De Loo officiating and Deacon Steve Vande Hey assisting.  Visitation will be held at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services.  Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the staff at Helen’s House and Ascension Hospice for taking wonderful care of Jerry during his illness.  We would also like to thank the wonderful neighbors in Hollandtown, especially Floyd and Diane Kempen.  Your kindness will never be forgotten. 

Dad, you always said you were a lucky man.  But we were the lucky ones to have you.  We love you.  Say Hi to Clarence…..

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.