Marie Bruecks

Marie Anntonette Bruecks, age 94, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, formerly of Woodford, WI passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at Collinwood Grove Home in Brodhead. Born July 9, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Marie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Marie was the daughter of Charles and Johanna Risky. She graduated from St. Procopius Catholic High School and devoted many years as a secretary in the water pump equipment business. In 1950, she married Donald Bruecks in Lemont, Illinois, and together they made their home in Woodford, Wisconsin, where they farmed and raised sheep for many years. Following the passing of her husband from cancer, Marie continued to live on the farm for three decades before moving to Brodhead two years ago.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Marie was a dedicated member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary in Green County. She cherished gardening, nurturing flowers, vegetables, and garlic, and had a special fondness for her animals, particularly her chickens and donkeys. Her love for nature was evident in her passion for bird watching—she could identify birds by their songs—and she often enjoyed quiet hours with her nose in a book at home. Above all, Marie treasured the time spent with her family, delighting in the company of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Tom (Dee) Bruecks of Browntown, Wisconsin, and Kathy (Darrell) Shepherd of Lockport, Illinois; six grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, daughters Carol Antole and Susie (Tom) Briese, parents, and siblings Fran (Nick) Czajka, Frank (Marge) Risky, and Charles (Jean) Drnek. She is also remembered fondly by her son-in-law Jim Antole, her dear friend Tim Lelle of Argyle, and neighbors Jim and Sherry Benson.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (801 Milwaukee St. Argyle) with Fr. Garrett Kau officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Argyle. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.