Surnames: Brecht, Klinkner, Brasier, Hockers, Batchelor, Gorke, Harper

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Brecht, Jerome "Jerry" J. (28 Feb. 1923 - 5 May 2008)

Jerome J. Brecht

Jerome J. "Jerry" Brecht, 85, De Pere, passed away Monday morning, May 5, 2008, at Bellin Health Medical Center, Green Bay.

He was born in Melvina on Feb. 28, 1923, a son of Frank and Mary (Klinkner) Brecht. Following his graduation from Spencer High School in 1940, Jerome began his college education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He interrupted his education to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II, primarily as a member of the occupation forces in Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to college at UW-Stevens Point, and graduated with honors in 1949, receiving his bachelor's degree. He received his master's degree from UW-Madison in 1958.

Jerome married Shirley Brasier in Phillips on July 8, 1949. He taught high school mathematics and science in Palmyra, Unity, Tripoli and Tomahawk before coming to the Green Bay area. He was a teacher more than 27 years in the Green Bay Area School District, retiring in 1985 as head of the mathematics department at East High School.

Jerome was a member of St. Mary Catholic Community in De Pere, and the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He loved the outdoors and greatly enjoyed gardening, as well as hunting, fishing and camping, especially at his cabin and on his land near Tripoli. Jerome was an avid reader, and an expert in solving crossword puzzles. He was an excellent small engine mechanic, and also had rebuilt car engines. He had many fond memories of moving houses with his brothers.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Shirley; four children, Frank (Sandi) Brecht, Gilbert Ariz., Jerry (Michelle) Brecht Jr., Waldo, Barb (Tim) Hockers, De Pere, and Susan (Eric) Batchelor, Visalia Calif.; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret (Adolph) Gorke, Dorchester; a sister-in-law, Shirley Brecht, Owen; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters in infancy; and four brothers, Pete (Velma) Brecht, Herman "Bud" (Mabel) Brecht, Emery (Rosie) Brecht, and Clarence Brecht.

Family and friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008. The funeral service will then be conducted at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. John H. Harper officiating. The committal and interment with military veteran honors will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2008, at St. Anthony Cemetery, LoyaI.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

The family would like to express special thank you to Dr. James Jerzak and to the staff of Ledgeview Nursing Home for their kindness and for their compassionate care.