Gerhard A. "Pete" Braasch (98) of Altamont

Gerhard “Pete” Braasch 98 of Altamont, died at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday November 3, 2021 at Lutheran Care Center, Altamont.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday November 10th, 2021 at St. Paul (ELCA) Lutheran Church, Altamont with Rev. Maria Bonine officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery with military rites by Gieseking-Schwerdtfeger VFW Post 7676, Altamont. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Care Center or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements.

CDC and IDPH guidelines with regard to COVID-19 must be followed. This includes, but is not limited to, face covering and social distancing.

Pete was born Tuesday, October 23, 1923 on the family farm in rural Fayette County to Theodore and Marie (Sy) Braasch. In his younger years he attended school in a one room school house at St. Paul Lutheran Church, learning German and English from 1st to 6th grade. He attended Martin Box School in Rural St. Elmo for 7th and 8th grade before beginning work on the family farm. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He married Luella V. Gust on December 9, 1951 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Island Grove.

Pete was a member of St. Paul (ELCA) Lutheran Church his entire life, serving in many offices and committees over the years. He was a John Deere mechanic at Kuffel Motor, later, Altamont Implement. He then worked for 25 years at World Color Press until his retirement.

Pete was a volunteer for Meals On Wheels, Altamont and a faithful blood donor. He enjoyed restoring John Deere Tractors. Pete loved his family and spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending many school and sport events. He enjoyed gardening and mowing. Pete and Luella enjoyed playing pinochle with a group of friends for many years and had many good times traveling with close friends.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Debra) Braasch of St. Elmo, Gary (Susan) Braasch of Altamont, Keith (Angie) Braasch of Altamont, daughter Sharon (Kyle) Harper of Altamont; 4 grandchildren, April (Matt) Nolen, Jennifer (Dane) Milleville, Michelle (Tyler) Winter, Alec Braasch; 10 great-grandchildren, Marlee Nolen, Lillian Nolen, Steven Barton, Perry Manley, Garrett (Taylor) Buzzard, Tessa Manley, Kade Milleville, Carson Milleville, Dayton Winter and Haley Winter and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella, his parents, brother, Marcus (Edna) Braasch, sisters, Elda (George) Boyer and Henrietta (Delbert) Beccue; and grandson, Randy Manley.

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