Benjamin J. Brecke

SAUKVILLE, Wis. — Benjamin Brecke, of Saukville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013. He was 27 years old.

Ben was born in Milwaukee on April 14, 1986, the youngest son of Howard Brecke and Joan Gasner Brecke. Ben grew up in Saukville and graduated from Port Washington High School with the class of 2004. Ben was working towards a degree in environmental sciences at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

He was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville, participating in the church’s music ministry. Ben loved the outdoors and nature. He could oftentimes be found hiking at the Lion’s Den Gorge in Grafton, cross-country skiing or sitting around a campfire in his backyard looking over Peninsula Park in Saukville. Ben was known for being extremely compassionate. He also gave the best hugs.

Ben is survived by his parents, Howard and Joan, of Saukville; his two brothers, Matthew (Michelle) Brecke, of Port Washington, and Andrew Brecke, of Cascade. He is further survived by his special niece and nephews, Evan, Brodie and Hannah; his aunts and uncles, Linda (Elmer) Miller, of Plymouth, Bill (Judy) Gasner, of West Bend, Frank (Connie) Gasner, of Kewaskum, Susie (Charles) Feathers, of Cassopolis, Mich., Elizabeth (William) Yetter, of Westminster, Colo., Mary Brecke, of Hurley, Paula (James) Gardner, of Hurley, Charles (Jody) Ulczycki, of Williams Bay, and Jill (the late Marty) Brecke, of Chicago; other relatives; and many, many friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Dorothy Gasner and Guy and Barbara Brecke; and his uncles, Joseph and Marty Brecke.

A memorial service celebrating Ben’s life will take place on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 166 W. Dekora St., Saukville, with the Rev. Brian Damrow officiating.

A time of gathering will take place at the church on Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 Hawthorne Drive, Saukville WI 53080, or St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at eernissefuneralhome.com.