Gerard Broeker

Gerard Broeker, 56, of Springfield, Illinois (formerly of Effingham) passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at his home in Springfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life which will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026 at The Effingham Event Center Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC), 828 S. 2nd. Street, Suite 301, Springfield, IL 62704. Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

Gerard was born on July 27, 1970 in Effingham, the son of Robert Broeker and Maureen Imming Broeker. He graduated from Quincy College with a degree in Communications in 1994, and then went on to get his Juris Doctorate, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1999. He was a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Springfield, Illinois. He worked for the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois for many years, and then worked for Human Services doing disability claims. He had a great passion for helping people who were underprivileged and underserved. Gerard was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and actually got the opportunity to announce a game with Jack Buck. He was also very supportive of U of I as an alumni.

Gerard is survived by his father, Robert Broeker; siblings, Roberta (Dennis) Meyer, Theresa Griffin, Jon (Lisa) Broeker, Monica (Doug) Feldhake, Jeannine (Rob) Lehman, Anne (Kenny) Miller, Kristen Rodgers, Greg (Misty) Broeker, Ted (Heather) Broeker, and Madonna Broeker; brother-in-law, Vic Doedtman; 29 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maureen Imming Broeker; sister, Maggie Doedtman; and brother-in-law, Lee Griffin.

The family would like to personally thank Kenny Schwerman for his dedicated service to Gerard after his accident, as well as the many caregivers who assisted him through the years.