Lawrence Bruecher

Lawrence E “Larry” Bruecher, age 80, a native of Port Washington, Wis., passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, of congestive heart failure at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg, where he had resided the past six years.

He was born on May 16, 1939, in Sheboygan, Wis., the son of Lawrence N. and Alice Fish Bruecher.  

 Larry was a cook at the former Smith Bros. Restaurant in Port Washington for many years, where he had started as a busboy.

After receiving a bachelor of science degree from Marquette University, he was employed at We Energies as a storekeeper at the Port Washington and Oak Creek Valley plants, retiring after almost 40 years.

On Aug. 22, 1980, he married Mary Joan “Sis” Lorge Binsfeld at St. Mary’s Church.  They lived for over 35 years “up by the church” in Port Washington.  

He enjoyed remodeling the historic Niederkorn house on Woodruff Street. They enjoyed many family get togethers with joy and laughter until 2003.

“What my Dad loved and enjoyed most was entertaining his large family, including friends and neighbors. We were the ‘B B Bunch,’ short for Bruecher/Binsfeld. He was the life of the party with his sense of humor with cake and ice cream for all events. All were welcome!” his daughter Susan stated.

He was a member of the International Association of Machinists, Aerospace Workers Local 317, Wisconsin Electric Employee Mutual Benefit Association and Jaycees.  

“My Dad loved animals and raised rabbits as a child.  He enjoyed gardening. He would do anything he could to help his family.  He would dive off the end of the pier as a child by the lighthouse with his cousin and swim to the shore.” his daughter Susan stated.

Larry is survived by his children Susan (Steve) Klein of Grafton, Giles Bruecher of Port Washington and Lisa (Troy) Charbarneau of Gleason; stepchildren John (Grace) Binsfeld of Jackson, Michael Binsfeld of Port Washington, Judy Konicek of Jackson, Peggy (friend Terry) Albanese of West Bend, Ron (Kerry) Binsfeld of Oostburg and Maribeth Binsfeld of Port Washington; grandchildren Sarajane, Timothy, Rebecca, Raymond and Troy Jr. Charbarneau, Steven P. (Tonya) Klein, Sandy Radtke, Jason Ward, John (Jill) Binsfeld Jr., Katherine (fiancé Ryan Tuchel), Tina (friend Aaron), Kevin, Ronald Jr., Michael (Becky) and Jonathan (Kaela) Binsfeld, Kaila (Joshua) Schedler, Samantha Albanese, Christopher (Sarah) Jante, Andrew (Morgan) Phillips and Erin (Brian) Vande Zande; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Joan on Aug. 12, 2015, his infant grandson Phillip Charbarneau, his parents, his brother Ronald and previous wife Shirley Mintzlaff Bruecher.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lasata for their excellent care of Dad.  Also, many thanks to Compassus Hospice Service, especially Tammy. Knowing he was in such carring hands was comforting.

 A funeral Mass for Larry will be held at a later date. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington, Wis.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) are suggested.

 Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences may be left at www.poolefh.com.