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

----Source: Loyal TRG 07 May 2008

Brecht, Jerome J. #2 (28 FEB 1923 - 5 MAY 2008)

Jerome J. "Jerry" Brecht, 85, DePere, passed away Monday morning, May 5, 2008, at Bellin Health Medical Center, Green Bay. Family and friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., DePere, on May 8, from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. John H. Harper will officiate. The committal and interment with military veteran honors will be held at 1 p.m., on Friday, May 9, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Loyal.

Jerome J. Brecht was born in Melvina, on Feb. 28, 1923, to Frank and Mary (nee Klinkner) Brecht.

Following his graduation from Spencer High School in 1940, he 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 ll, primarily as a member of the occupation forces in Japan. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to college at U.W.- Stevens Point, and graduated with honors in 1949, receiving his bachelor’s degree. He received his master’s degree from U.W. Madison in 1958. On July 8, 1949, he married Shirley Brasier in Phillips. He taught high school mathematics and science in Palmyra, Unity, Tripoli, and Tomahawk before moving 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. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, DePere, 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. He 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.

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

Preceding him in death were two sisters in infancy; and four brothers, Pete (Velma) Brecht, Herman "Bud" (Mabel) Brecht, Emery (Rosie) Brecht, and Clarence Brecht.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established

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

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

Cotter Funeral Home, DePere, is assisting the family with arrangements.