Bruce J. Biersteker

Bruce Jerome Biersteker, 87, passed away on December 19, 2020. Bruce was born July 6, 1933 in Oconto Falls. He was the 9th of 15 children of Joseph M. Sr. and Esther J (Tiller) Biersteker. As a child, Bruce lived in Pulcifer, WI. The family moved to the Green Bay area in 1938, and moved onto South Quincy St in 1939. Bruce has spent most of his life in the house on Quincy St, which he bought from his mother when she had cancer in 1962. He attended Howe Elementary, St John the Evangelist, Central Catholic & Green Bay East High Schools. He was a member of the Class of 1952. Having attended both Central Catholic and East High, his friends from each school always invited Bruce to their reunions, and he had friends from both schools throughout his life. In January 1952, he joined the US Navy. He went through Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Station, and completed his advanced training in the Diesel Engineman program in San Diego, California. His first duty after training was aboard the USS Paricutin (AE-18), an ammunition ship supporting the war effort in Korea, delivering ordnance to ships around and ports in Korea. In mid-1953, Bruce was reassigned to the Atlantic Fleet, serving aboard the USS Rankin (AKA 103). During this time, he served aboard the Rankin with his older brother, Ken. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in January 1956. He was one of eight siblings to serve in the US military.

In August of '56, Bruce became employed by the Green Bay & Western Railroad, thanks to the help of his older brother, Ralph, who also worked there. Bruce was a diesel machinist on the railroad until he retired in August 1993. His brother Patrick, also worked on the GB&W. Together, the three brothers had 108 years at the company. Bruce was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 501. He served as the Local's Secretary for many years.

On July 18th, 1959, Bruce married Kathleen Ann Wilcox. Their union resulted in five children: Timothy (Sheryl), Kelly (Patrick) Fleming, Karon Douglas, Kirstin Biersteker & Kerry Biersteker. Bruce is also survived by seven grandchildren Dena (Gustavo) Rodriguez, Ashley (Chad) Christensen, Erica Douglas, Courtney (Kyle Santy) Biersteker, Christopher Biersteker, Christian Biersteker, Serene Rettler and Nonah Gaertig. He also has six great grandchildren, Antonio & Diego Rodriguez, Chilese & Dollion Dixon, Alijah Vaughn & Iseult Christensen. He is further survived by his brothers Patrick (Yvonne) Biersteker & Roger Biersteker and his sisters Nancy (James) Rothe and Janet Stangel, sister-in-law JoAnn Biersteker his nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends, and kids who were friends of his kids and grandkids who call & view him as "Grandpa".

In 1961, Bruce and six of his siblings and their spouses purchased 79 acres near Lakewood, WI. This family property has been the source of many family get togethers through the years including summer vacations, hunting seasons, family reunions, cabins built, remodeled and rebuilt. It has kept the clan close through six and into a seventh decade. And, as Bruce's family knows, if there isn't deer hunting in Heaven, Bruce will be sorely disappointed.

Bruce was preceded in death on April 21, 2014 by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen, his parents, his mother & father-in-law, Gloria E & William G Wilcox, his brothers Ralph, Robert, Joseph, Roland (Pete), Kenneth, John & Gary, his sisters Esther ("Tiny"), Lola & Nona, brothers in law Barney Black, Joseph ("Nabby") Linsmier, James Stangel & Richard Schadrie, and sisters in law Carole Biersteker, Nancy Biersteker, Lois Biersteker and Patricia Schadrie, two nieces & four nephews.

Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave, is assisting the family. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30th at 4:00 PM, with a funeral service at 7:00 PM. Father Andrew Cribben will officiate. Due to COVID 19, masks, sanitation and social distancing rules will be enforced.

The family would also like to thank associates at Unity Hospice for their caring help during Bruce's last days, Lance, Tina & Dawn. We would also like to thank our sisters Kelly who took care of many of our dad's needs during his last days, and especially Kerry, who stayed with him and cared for him.