Gerard Broeker Obituary, SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gerard Broeker, 56, of Springfield, Illinois, formerly of Effingham, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at his home in Springfield.
Born July 27, 1970, in Effingham, Gerard was the son of Robert Broeker and Maureen Imming Broeker. He graduated from Quincy College with a degree in Communications in 1994 before earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in 1999.
Gerard devoted much of his professional life to serving others. He worked for the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois for many years before later working for Human Services on disability claims. He had a strong passion for helping people who were underprivileged and underserved.
He was a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Springfield and remained supportive of the University of Illinois as an alumnus. Gerard was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and had the memorable opportunity to announce a game alongside legendary broadcaster Jack Buck.
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; his sister, Maggie Doedtman; and brother-in-law, Lee Griffin. The family expressed appreciation to Kenny Schwerman for his dedicated service to Gerard following his accident, as well as to the many caregivers who assisted him throughout the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, at The Effingham Event Center Pavilion. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, followed by burial at St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, 828 S. 2nd Street, Suite 301, Springfield, IL 62704. Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gerard Broeker will be remembered for his dedication to helping people who were underprivileged and underserved, his professional service to the disability community, and the connections he built with family, friends and those he served. The Broeker family remains in the thoughts and prayers of those mourning his passing.
