Bracken George Heiges

Born to Eternal Life on June 9, 2017, less than 2 weeks before his 90^th birthday, died peacefully, surrounded  by his loving family, at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.  Loving husband of 63 years of Verna Belle Mae Syvertson, the love of his life. Their devotion to and love for each other is one of the legacies he leaves us. Devoted dad of Katherine Wadsworth, Kristine Greenwood, Bracken II (Beth), Karla (Perry) Benatti, and Sandra Janagold (Mary Muellenbach). Proud grandpa of Darnell (Jolene) Cotton, Andrea Cotton, Jennifer Wadsworth, Katie (Jose) Rosales, Brian Greenwood, Mark (Sonia) Greenwood, Ashley, Kallyn and Bracken Heiges, Kelsey (Javier) Duran-Garcia, and Natalie and Chandler Benatti.  Great – Papa Teaser of Caidyn and Grayson Cotton, Kailey Locke, Devan Baier, Braydex Greenwood, Marcario and Julian Greenwood, Liliana and Jose Rosales, and George and Eli Duran-Garcia, who brought him absolute joy. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, who meant very much to him.  Further survived by his sister-in-law, Judy Bernard and son-in-law, Bill Williams. Preceded in death by daughter Karen Heiges-Williams, sister Maxine Miser, brother Robert and sister-in-law Josephine.

He was born in Traverse City, Michigan on June 22, 1927, to the late Bracken and Estelle Heiges. He moved to Milwaukee in 1949. His love for the city was evident as he told stories of the “old days.” He knew every part of is adopted city due to many years delivering beer for distributors such as Hamms, Strohs and Pabst. His engaging personality, sense of humor and love of people resulted in a promotion to sales which he was very proud of.

He was a Navy  veteran and  member of VFW Post #6458. The trip to Washington DC, on the Honor Flight a few years ago was one of the highlights of his life. He and Verna were loyal poppy sellers. George loved sports and was an avid bowler and softball player. He was a loyal Detroit fan, especially the Lions and Tigers. He liked the Brewers, but loved to hate the Packers.

He and Verna spent many happy times together as members of a square-dancing club. They also had great times with Verna’s brothers and sisters and their families. They loved going back to Traverse City to spend time with his brother and wife, Bob and Jo. They enjoyed many hours together fishing on quiet lakes. A man of great faith, he was a life-long member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 2:00 PM 3:45 PM. Funeral Service 4:00 PM, followed by military honors.