Gerald Frederick “Zeke” Brotzke, 76, of Lapeer, MI, died Sept. 15, 2023, at Harper Hospital in Detroit.
Jerry was born on Sept. 22, 1946, in Highland Park, MI, to Fred and Elaine Brotzke (Holmes). He was a member of the Lapeer Masons and Lapeer Shriners.
Jerry “Zeke” was a very talented and accomplished man. After graduating from Troy High School, he attended Lawrence Institute of Technology and Wayne State University. His dad, Fred, was his primary mentor and instructor and he missed him every day of his life.
Jerry went on to become a machinist, a tool maker, a farmer (which he loved), a builder of homes, a remodeler, and a true Jerry-of-all-trades. He always had a “can do” attitude and a fabulous smile. His children have all received the benefit of his skills and guidance.
He enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, golfing, drawing, and working with his hands. He also spent time inventing. He has three patents, the latest being the R.V. Height Gauge. Working on old boat motors, restoring his boat, and driving his Zero Turn mower were fun entertainment for him. He was proud to be a Mason and a Shriner.
Most of all, he loved his family. He was generous with his time, his skills, and his heart. His high school sweetheart Connie and their ‘His, Hers, Ours and Theirs’ family of close siblings will love and miss him forever.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Connie; children, Rick (Peggy) Brotzke, Clayton (Jennifer) Brotzke, Joseph (Jennifer) Blough, Jennifer (Jim) Wood, Ira (Anita) Feinstein, Melissa (Marc) Richardson, and Adam Feinstein; 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Fritz (Hilda) Brotzke, and his sisters Betty Pate, Linda (Jim) Kysar, and Karin Brown. Jerry has a very large extended family, all of whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley DiMeglio.
Arrangements for cremation has been entrusted to Lynch & Sons. A memorial gathering will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Lapeer from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lapeer Shrine Club.