Jerome-Bucheger-Obituary

Jerome "Jerry" Bucheger

WOODSTOCK, Illinois

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WOODSTOCK, Illinois
CHARITY
American Cancer Society

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WOODSTOCK - Jerome "Jerry" Bucheger, 56, of Woodstock and formerly of Crystal Lake, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2009.

He was born March 15, 1953, in Marshfield, Wis., to Edward and Louise nee Vardrasek Bucheger. On March 24, 1973, he was united in marriage to Judy M. Gardner in Greenwood, Wis. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Superior in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. After college, he served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years as a flight instructor on the T-38. He had worked as a pilot for American Airlines for the past 24 years, and for the past 18 years, he flew as a captain on the F100, B737, B767 and B757 aircraft. He enjoyed spending time with his family, flying, snowmobiling, working on cars, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Bucheger of Woodstock; his children, Justin (Amy) of Crystal Lake, Adam (Kelly) of Crystal Lake and Mandy (Tyrus) DeJarnette of Savoy; four grandchildren, Chase, Kayla, Ryan and Lorelai Bucheger; his brothers, Dennis (Darlene) Bucheger of Greenwood, Wis., Dave (Carol) Bucheger of Rothchild, Wis., Joe (Candi) Bucheger of Onalaska, Wis., and Jeff (Rose) Bucheger of Farmington, Mich.; his sisters, Jackie (Ross) Fritz of North Powder, Ore., and Judi (Noel) White of Cheney, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, until the Mass of Christian Burial celebration at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake. Interment will be private.

Memorials in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601-7654.

For information, call the funeral home at 815-459-3411.

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Dear Judy and Family:
I was saddened to learn of Jerry's illness and death. My first thought was of him in High School--always up to some sort of practical joke or thinking of the next one he would instigate on some poor unsuspecting classmate...one could tell by the twinkle in his eyes. Then, I recalled a conversation @ one of our class reunions (he was such a 'story teller')...yet even while talking, always keeping his mind's eye on the love of his life--you Judy & your family.
...

Judy and family, You have my deepest sympathy and that of my mother, Jo. I remember Jerry being a cut up, in a good way, in shared high school classes. He was a man with a vision of being a pilot and he found a great life partner, in you Judy. At the last class reunion that we spoke - he was a very happy and content man who had achieved his dream of being a pilot, he loved and bragged about his children and he cherished his wife.

I am so sorry for your great loss!

Judy and Family:

Our family would like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the booming voice of "ALLI" throughout the gym at South, the jokes and the beaming smile on his face.

Judy and Family,
We had just heard of Jerry's passing tonight. I am so very sorry we were not there for you. Wow, what a Great Guy. He will be missed! We really enjoyed our time together in the neighborhood. Good times and good friends! Great memories!
All our Love, Kim and Bob

Judy and Family,
You have been in my thoughts since I read of Jerry's passing. I am so very sorry,and wish I knew the words to comfort you. I remember our high school days, and how it was so very evident that you two were meant to be together right from the start. How blest you are to have been together and shared so much for so many years. God bless and take care.

Judy and family,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry.

May your sorrow be lessened by the knowledge that the pilot community at American shares in your sadness.

I have given to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Sincerely,

Thomas Read
AA Captain ORD

I first met Jerry in July 1985. We were class mates at the American Airlines Flight Academy. Jerry was the oldest of the 6 new hires in that class, and I was the youngest. He quickly became the "Big Brother" of the class, and made the 6 weeks of training in Dallas just PLANE fun! After training, Jerry went off to Chicago, and I stayed in Dallas. Our paths seldom crossed during the next 24 years. But whenever they did, Jerry alway had a smile on his face, and a quick joke to tell. What a...

TO Jerry's family,

I flew with Jerry since the mid 90's and I can tell all of you that he did more living with you guys than anyone could have done in 56 years. Most people that live to be 100 don't get from life what he did in 56. My whole family's prayers are with you folks these days and forever. My dad died at 56 of cancer and was a 757 Capt at NWA and my best friend. That was 13 years ago. Jerry will walk with you folks each and everyday forever, and that is a wonderful...

Dear Bucheger Family, We are so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. That man made anyone who meet him smile. Even if he was a packer fan you still had to love him. God Bless, Jack and Brenda Taege