George Bruckert Obituary

George Louis Bruckert III

George Louis Bruckert III passed away from cancer on March 1, 2018 at age 49.

George was a dedicated living history buff and military reenactor of the Civil War, World War I and World War II. He participated in numerous air shows, reenactments and veteran's reunions all over the world including the United States, England, France, Holland, Poland, Malta and Germany. He had special admiration for the men of the U.S. Army Air Corps and the English Royal Air Force who manned the fighters and bombers of World War II.

George loved meeting the veterans and hearing first hand accounts of the war from his heroes. An accomplished artist, he painted copies of the pinups and nose art found on B-17s like "the Memphis Belle", "Miss Minookie" and "the Outhouse Mouse" onto the back of leather, aviator jackets. He also recreated and sold the military printed material (like London passes) issued to aviators during the war. George visited numerous schools around the Chicago area where he shared his knowledge of military history and his extensive military collection with the students. Part of that collection is so unique it will be on display at the 100th Bomb Group Foundation's POW displays at various museums including the Palm Springs Air Museum.

George supported numerous World War II museums and commemorative organizations. He loved to go swing dancing while wearing the vintage clothes of the World War II era, and was a regular at clubs like Willowbrook Ball Room, Frankie's and the Cicada Club in Los Angeles.

George graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange and received his college degree in Aviation Management from Lewis University. He served in the U.S. Navy.

George is survived by his mother, Sharron Wartinger; and his stepfather, Thomas Wartinger both of Cumming, Georgia; his cousins, Mark Metry, Ellen Colliard, Carol Barlow and Donald Barlow; and hundreds of rein-actor and swing dancing friends.

Two separate memorial services are planned for: Saturday, April 7th at the historic church on grounds of Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford, Illinois at 5:30p.m. and Saturday, April 14 at The Compass Church, 1551 Hobson Rd., Naperville, Illinois at 11:00 a.m.

Those wishing to honor George's memory can make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee.

Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside is assisting the family with arrangements. Info: (708) 352-6500.