Obituary of John Daniel Brueckner

John D Brueckner died on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 96. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm at Kramer Funeral Home with a vigil service at 3:00 p.m. and an American Legion Post #137 service at 5:00 p.m. A Mass celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #137. He was born on December 1, 1919 in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Edward and Mayme Cunningham Brueckner. He married Marie Goerdt on August 15, 1942 in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Little Rock, Arkansas while serving in the Army. When he was in Officer’s Training in Abeline, Texas, he became ill and was discharged from the service. He was a 1942 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He purchased his father’s pharmacy in 1947 and operated it until December, 1985 when he retired. John was very active in professional pharmacy associations of District 7. P.H and served in the House of Delegates for 17 years. He served as honorary president from 1984-1985. Mr. Brueckner was very active in local organizations, serving as President of the Dyersville Commercial Club, President of Beckman Band Parents, President of Beckman’s Booster Blub, President of the Basilica Choir of which he was a member for 64 years. He served as Chairman of the Merchants Committee. He was the 1st Vice Commander of the American Legion, Vice President of the Golf and Country Club and President of the Dyersville Bowling Association. He also managed the Dyersville Baseball team for many years as well as being the team’s catcher. He also managed the American Legion basketball team while being a team player; and worked with a Little League baseball team. He was selected to be inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame on July 9, 1988. He was a catcher at the University of Iowa and for the Dyersville semi-pro team. John loved all sports but music was his greatest passion. Playing the piano, singing in the Basilica Choir and with his children and grandchildren gave him great pleasure. While in college, he played first trombone in the University of Iowa band. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and George; three sisters, Elise Brueckner, Ruth Arens and Celeste Keays; a daughter, Lisa and a grandson, Michael George. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marie; four daughters: Elaine (Jeff) George of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Cheryl (Mark) Wright of Manton, Michigan; Diane (Don Pirkl) of Victor, Iowa; Lynn (Dr. Greg) Keeling of Baraboo, Wisconsin; and one son, JC (Karin) Brueckner of Overland Park, Kansas. He is further survived by fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Ken) Ericson and Katie (Gus) Ewoldt of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Libby George (Jacob Parakilas) of London, England; Jadrian (Dan) Clark and Carolyne Rothrock of Portland, Oregon; David Rothrock of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Melissa Rothrock of Cadillac, Michigan; A.J. Pirkl of Victor, Iowa; Nathan (Brooke) Keeling of Middleton, Wisconsin; Marlie Keeling and Shannon (Edward) Pike of Austin, Texas; Max Keeling of Baraboo, Wisconsin; Riley and Jackson Brueckner and Ryan Seltman of Overland Park, Kansas; and seven great grandchildren: Zanna and George Ericson and Winnie, Vivian and Leo Ewoldt of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Malia Rothrock and Cyrik Yonkman of Cadillac Michigan. Memorial are requested to be directed to St. Francis Xavier Choir.