Gerald R. Brackemyer, 76, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, April 22, 2023, at his home.
Jerry was born February 2, 1947, in Morrison, IL, to Richard J. and Florence (Renkes) Brackemyer. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and was a 1965 graduate of Morrison High School. He then completed a Machinist apprenticeship at General Electric. Jerry married Mary Ellen Nissen on December 1, 1967, in Clinton, IA. He was employed at General Electric in Morrison for 35 years as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring in 2000. He was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison. Jerry was an active member of AA, receiving his 25 year chip. He raised hogs in his younger years, and “had the best hogs in Whiteside County,” according to Doc Bonhoff. Later in life, he enjoyed restoring tractors and sharing that passion with his son and grandchildren. He was an avid woodworker and was a set builder for Morrison Music Theater Association. Jerry also enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, and fishing. He had a good sense of humor and was a great story teller. Jerry’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen; daughters, Claudia (Todd Lippens) Garcia of Dixon, IL, and Barb (Eric) Nienhouse of Boulder, CO; son, William “Bill” (Sherry) Brackemyer of Morrison; nine grandchildren, Kayla (Todd) Messer, McKenna Garcia, Brayden Garcia, Ethan Garcia, Jacob Nienhouse, Oscar Nienhouse, Christopher Brackemyer, Bridget (Bradley) Varnell, and Dusty (Travis) Fink; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan (Jack) Bland of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Tammy S. Anderson officiating.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials have been established to Bethesda Lutheran Church and Rock River Hospice and Home.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com.