Gerald “Jerry” W. Brucker, 85, residing in Granger, passed away at 6:40am Sunday, December 20, 2020 in his home. He was born November 7, 1935 in South Bend to the late William and Marie (Walley) Brucker and remained a lifelong area resident, except for a few years when the family lived in California.

After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, Jerry was employed with Bendix / Allied Signal Controls, from which he retired as president after 40 years. He was very dedicated to his company and had a love for his job and the people he worked with.

On September 16, 1961 in South Bend, Jerry married the former Patricia Roche, who preceded him in death on November 13, 2018 after 57 years of marriage. He is survived by daughters, Jill (Walter) Pyfer of Granger and Lesley Brucker of South Bend; sons, David Brucker of Edwardsburg, MI and Gregory Brucker of South Bend; and three grandchildren, Chelsea Snell of Granger, Tyler Meade of Grand Rapids, MI and Alec Brucker of South Bend; as well as two great grandchildren, Noah Snell and Maximus Brucker, both of Granger. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend.

Jerry loved traveling throughout the world with his wife, Patricia. During retirement, he enjoyed spending winters with Patricia in Estero, FL since 1997. Jerry was an avid golfer and a longtime member at South Bend Country Club, where he also achieved his first hole-in-one! Jerry was a faithful member of St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church. He touched many people throughout his life and gave unconditionally. He will forever live in our hearts.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend. Blessings will follow in the mausoleum at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family for one hour prior to mass on Wednesday in the church. Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jerry may be donated to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

12/26/2020 JFC