Joseph P. Bruckler

Joseph P. Bruckler, 90, died Saturday (May 3, 2003) at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln.

He was born April 16, 1913, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Michael and Catherine (Tishler) Bruckler. He grew up in Philadelphia where he received his education.

On Oct. 25, 1942, he married Katherine Walsh. She preceded him in death.

He was a member of the U.S. Air Force where he was a Ball Turret Gunner on the B-24 named Joker during World War II. His plane was shot down over Italy on Dec. 28, 1943, and he spent 18 months as a prisoner of war at Stalag 17. Following his return to the United States, he became an electrician.

On Oct. 25, 1969, he married Lily (Malabre) Bussiere at Miami, Fla. They retired and moved to McCook in 1979, where he helped in the construction of the McCook Humane Society Building.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Lily Bruckler of McCook; two sons, Joseph Bruckler and wife, Jennifer of Titusville, Fla., and William Bruckler and wife, Darlene of Fort Pierce, Fla.; four daughters, Eileen and husband, George Flavin of Tallahassee, Fla., Rita Brucker of Annapolis, Md., Jeannette Reed of McCook and Loretta Bussiere of Cairo, Ga.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be given in his name to the McCook Humane Society and left at the funeral home.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.