On Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, Jerry Breeggemann, age 78, passed away at his home in Marystown, MN.
A time of gathering will be held on Monday, June 4 from 4-7 pm and Tuesday, June 5 from 9:30-10:30 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, at Church of St. Mark (The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne) 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee. Father Paul Haverstock will preside, with family acting as urn and flag bearers.
Jerome Henry was born at the Shakopee Hospital on February 6, 1940, to parents Roman and Mathilda “Tillie” (Cress) Breeggemann. Years following, he was the older brother to Howard, William and Raymond. The first year of life, Jerry grew up on a farm near the swamps of Louisville Township, before his parents purchased the farm in Marystown. Farming was always a part of his life. As a boy, Jerry spent countless hours tending to the daily chores of the animals and working the fields with teams of horses. He attended Marystown Catholic School through the eighth grade and then two years at Shakopee High School. Jerry later enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, where he served his country proudly. Jerry’s heart always remained loyal to his roots of farming. From 1964-1968, Jerry worked for Victor Hennen driving truck and running heavy equipment and then in the early 2000’s at the Shakopee Public Schools.
Life for Jerry was enriched, when he married Rose Ann Meuleners on June 20, 1964, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska, MN. As newlyweds, they first lived in town briefly, before moving to a farm east of Shakopee, 1968. It was here, Jerry and Rosie established their own herd of dairy cows. In 1972, they combined their herd, with his parent’s herd and took over the family farm. Rosie generally took care of the cattle, while Jerry had a watchful eye over the hogs. In 1975, Jerry and Rosie were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Jodi. As she grew, Jodi also grew loyal to farming and following in her parent’s footsteps. Life on the farm meant hard work and the need of extra hands. Along with family, Jerry’s first farmhand was Chris Dircks and later Lyle Weckman. Since 1981, Lyle has been his righthand man and ultimately became a longtime friend and the son he never had. Jerry and Rosie sold the cows in 1993 and the hogs in 1999. They then turned their focus on crop farming and raising steers for decades.
When time allowed, Jerry, Rosie and Jodi enjoyed traveling out west. In 1999, he gained a son-in-law, David Plekkenpol. Life changed for Jerry when Rosie passed on January 25, 2003. The boss was gone, but he continued to move forward with help from family and the news of soon becoming a grandpa to Jacob, and later to Matthew and Jessica. Jerry too enjoyed the company and help of Lyle’s children. In more recent years, he enjoyed the companionship of Karyn Preisen. As Jerry’s health deteriorated, she devoted unending time caring for him.
A devoted man of faith, Jerry truly cared for the wellbeing of others. He was a loyal man, who lived a simple and common life. Over the years, Jerry too became a mentor to many. He had a great sense of humor, who loved to tease. Jerry had quite a sweet tooth, especially for pop and candy bars. He enjoyed reading newspaper and farming magazines, with great pride of sharing articles and recipes with others.
Forever loved, Jerry will always remain in the hearts of his daughter, Jodi (Dave) Plekkenpol; grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew, Jessica; brothers, Bill (Maureen) Breeggemann, Ray (Marlys) Breeggemann; sister-in-law, Liz Breeggemann; special extended family, Lyle and Lynne Weckman and their children, Luke (Aimee) Weckman, Laura (Juston) Lano, Lance (Katie) Weckman; grandchildren, Addisyn Weckman, Kylie Weckman, Sadie Weckman, Brooklyn Lano, Jace Lano; special friend, Karyn Preisen and her children, Shelly, Shari, Kari, Johnny; countless relatives and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; parents, Roman and Tillie and brother, Howard Breeggemann.
