Sylvester J. "Jake" Biertzer, age 85, of West Bend, found peace on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk.
Jake was born on March 5, 1930 in West Bend to the late Jacob and Elizabeth (nee Matanear) Biertzer. He was united in marriage to June Schrauth on October 7, 1950 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Campbellsport. June preceded him in death in 2005. Several years later, on July 12, 2008, Jake was united in marriage to Jean De Bruin at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.
Jake was a 1948 graduate of West Bend High School. Following his high school graduation, he spent the next 25 years working in downtown West Bend, first at J.C. Pennys for five years, then Walker Shoe Store for 10 years, and later for Leys Department Store for 10 years. He eventually worked at Serigraph as a silk screen estimator before retiring in 1995. Even in his retirement Jake continued to be a hard worker enjoying a part time job at Bumper to Bumper.
Jake is survived by his wife, Jean Biertzer of West Bend; his three children, Mark (Judy) Biertzer of West Bend, Peggy (David) Kurer of Watertown, and Tom (Terry) Biertzer of West Bend; nine grandchildren, Gabe (Elisa) Biertzer of West Bend, Ali (Aaron) Christ of Strum, Luke (Rachel) Biertzer of Darboy, Corey Kurer of Watertown, Jed Kurer of Madison, Mandy (A.J.) Fowell of Richland Center, Peter (Ari) Biertzer-Warshawsky of New York, NY, Dan (Lynn) Biertzer of Hartford, and Jeff Biertzer of West Bend;10 great-grandchildren;a sister-in-law, Priscilla Biertzer of West Bend; 10 step-children, Ken (Paula) De Bruin of Sherwood, Mary De Bruin of Appleton, Sue Verkuilen of Pulaski, Karen (Jeff) Lambie of West Bend, Greg (Jeannie) De Bruin of Appleton, Bob De Bruin of Fairport, NY, Colleen Peterson of Appleton, Joe De Bruin of Appleton, Gary (Kari) De Bruin of Menasha, and Dan (Wendi) De Bruin of New Franken; 27 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his first wife and parents; Jake was preceded in death by his two brothers, Joseph and Ray Biertzer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Holy Angels Catholic Church (138 N. 8th Ave. West Bend). Rev. Gerald Brittain will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4 pm until the time of Mass at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery on Forest View Rd. in the town of Barton on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 10:00 am.
Memorials to the Holy Angels Catholic Church Trust Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Kathy Hospice for the care and support given to Jake and his family.