Rev. G. Fredrick Brucker

03/22/1949 - 12/27/2025

Reverend G. Fredrick Brucker, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids known for his scholarly mind and his social spirit passed away on December 27, 2025.
Born on March 22, 1949, in Dowagiac, Michigan, Fred was the fifth of seven children born to George and Margaret (Werner) Brucker. He was baptized at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church and attended the parish school before his family moved to Grand Rapids, where he completed his elementary education at St. Stephen's Catholic School.
His path to the priesthood was marked by a deep commitment to education. He attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Grand Rapids (1963–1969), St. Jerome's College in Kitchener, Ontario (1969–1971), and St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan (1971–1974). Later in his ministry, he pursued advanced studies, earning a licentiate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome (1979–1981) and a licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (2003–2005).
Father Brucker was ordained a deacon in 1975, serving his internship at Holy Spirit Church in Grand Rapids. On January 25, 1976, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Andrew's Cathedral. Over the following decades, he served various parishes throughout the Diocese of Grand Rapids and worked on the Diocesan Tribunal staff from 1977 until 2023.
Well-loved and highly respected within the Diocesan community, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4404 and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. Leo Rosloniec 4th Degree Assembly 3492. He was granted senior priest status on January 31, 2020, and resided in retirement at Clark Retirement community in Grand Rapids.
Father Brucker's interests were broad and included travel, woodworking, history, and skiing with friends in Colorado. He valued relationships deeply, welcoming new friendships and readily offering help to others. Known for his thoughtful and dependable nature, he was a gifted problem solver whose skills served him well throughout both his ministry and his years in retirement.
In his retirement, he became a beloved figure within the Clark Retirement community and was known for his warmth and outgoing nature.
Father Brucker was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret, and sisters, Suzanne Cross-McLaren, Marilyn Anderson, and Martha Brucker.
He is survived by his siblings, Christine Woleben, Anne (Dan) Garner, and David (Donna) Brucker, as well as many nieces, nephews, and his brother priests. His life of service, intellectual gifts, and faithful commitment to others will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a rosary service at 6:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, from 9:00am until 9:45am at the Cathedral. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00am with Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, J.C.D. officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Niles, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Grand Rapids or Catholic Charities of West Michigan, please specify that your donation is in memory of Fr. Fred Brucker.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.