Jerome E. “Jerry” Brickner, 83, Marathon, died Wednesday March 9, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his family on his journey home. He was born June 24, 1938, in Milwaukee, to Jerome and Pearl (Church) Brickner. On April 11, 1959, he married the love of his life, Grace Wagner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. Jerry was a member of the Army Reserves. He was owner of Brickner Motors, Brickner’s of Wausau and Brickner’s of Antigo prior to his retirement. Going to the cottage, annual trips to Canada fishing with family, and hunting trips out West and in Canada were among his favorite things to do. He loved animals and kids, and dearly loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Grace, their children and grandchildren; Jerry M. III (Jane) Brickner, Wausau and their children, Janessa Grace (Tom) Ress and Jerry IV; Michael (Cheryl) Brickner, Tomahawk, and daughter, Michaella; Steve (Linda) Brickner, Tomahawk and their children, Steven (Katie) Brickner, and children,Paityn and Abigail, Melissa (Kurt) Seubert, and children, Madalynn, Quinnlynn and Conrad, Shawn (Joey) Brickner, Melanie (Scott) Heinz and son, A.J.; Maria (Tom) Olson, Wausau, and their children, Thomas Olson, Michael (Kaylee) Olson and children, Alyssa and Braylee, and Grace Olson; his siblings, Romayne (Joe) Breaman, Irma, Carol (Jim) Studzinski, Wisconsin Rapids, Lorraine Wilichowski, Minnesota, Ginger Weiks, Marathon, Gail (Steve) Studinski, Marathon, Vicky Ramsey, Marathon; sister-in-law, Linda Brickner, Marathon. Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by an infant son, Bryan, two granddaughters, Tara and Kendra Brickner, two brothers, Raymond and Wayne, brothers-in-law, Gerald Wilichowski and Bob Weiks.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday March 14, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gifts from Heaven or St. Mary School. Many thanks to the exceptional and caring staff at Aspirus Palliative Care. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com