Gerald J. Dricken

1928 - 2024

Watertown, WI - Gerald "Jerry" J. Dricken, age 95, passed away peacefully at his son's home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown, WI with Father Tim Renz officiating. Family and Friends may gather at the Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service for visitation. Burial, with military honors, will follow immediately after the service at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery in Watertown, WI. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to Rainbow Hospice. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

Gerald John Dricken was born on September 6, 1928 in West Bend, Wisconsin to parents William and Gertude (Spaeth) Dricken. Jerry graduated from West Bend High School and after he served in Korea was united in marriage to Betty M. Hoeft on August 7, 1954. He then attended college and received a degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Jerry started working out of high school at Bell Telephone Company before getting drafted to go to Korea at the age of 23. He tried his best to avoid going to war by buying a clarinet from the local pawn shop, teaching himself to play, and being in the army band. Ultimately, Jerry did serve 9 months in Korea. Following that, he got his degree and started working for Delco in quality control. Jerry's career took him to do amazing work on black boxes in airplanes and even to work with NASA on Apollo 13 working on the lunar space module's guidance and navigation. Jerry retired from Eaton Corporation in 1974.

Gerald, affectionately named Chezzy, lived a very active life. He owned a Harley motorcycle when he was younger. He played sports such as Hockey, softball, bowling, golf, and fishing. Jerry was very passionate about hockey and played hockey in a traveling league based out of Illinois. He was had a strong faith and served as head usher at the church for 45 years. In his retirement, Jerry loved to go watch his grandchildren play sports, spend time with them, and take his entire family up to their land on Green Lake.

Gerald is survived by his children David (Brenda) Dricken and Janice (Joe) Murphy, his daughter-in-law Gail Dricken and his sister-in-law Rhea Dricken. His grandchildren Dan (Melissa) Dricken, Andy (Anne) Dricken, Joseph (Tracy) Dricken, Anthony (Gwen) Dricken, Benjamin (Katy) Dricken, Ashley (Shawn) Sinotte, and Amber (Travis) Basler; his 16 great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his son Richard Dricken, his 3 brothers William "Pucky" (Anne) Dricken, Lenny Dricken, and Raymond (Lu) Dricken.

Gerald was an amazing man who loved all of his family, was strong in his faith, and lived a very full and adventurous life.