Gerald Van De Kreeke, age 80, of Elkhart Lake, formerly of Sheboygan, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born in Sheboygan on February 6, 1946, to the late Marvin and Carol Van De Kreeke.
Gerry attended Grant Elementary and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1964. Gerry went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1972. While stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, he met the love of his life, Sharon LaBrecque. They married on November 30, 1968 and started their family. G.J. and Jennifer were both born in Grand Forks before the family returned to Sheboygan where he continued his education at UW-Milwaukee, graduating with a degree in Accounting.
Gerry was a CPA and the owner of Van De Kreeke and Associates for over 50 years. Gerry took his role as employer and advisor for his clients and friends very seriously. He was truly honored to serve these roles.
Gerry had a deep love and commitment to the Sheboygan community. He lived the Rotary motto, “service above self” and enjoyed saying “service is the rent we pay for living.”
He was involved in many organizations in the Sheboygan area, which include, Sheboygan Board of Water Commissioners; Sheboygan Rotary Club; Sheboygan Rotary Foundation; Sheboygan County Historical Research Center; University of Wisconsin Sheboygan County Foundation; RCS of Sheboygan; Sheboygan County Community Theatre Foundation (Weill Center); Fresh Meals on Wheels Endowment Board; Heritage Square Merchants Association; and Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Sheboygan County.
Gerry had tremendous love for his family, friends, co-workers, and community. When Gerry wasn’t working at the office or in the community, he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and enjoying baseball games.
Gerry is survived by his wife, Sharon Van De Kreeke, of Elkhart Lake; son, Gerry (Nancy) Van De Kreeke Jr.; and two granddaughters, Grace and Elizabeth, all of Shiocton; two sisters-in-law, Janice (Mike) Anderson, Susan Hodge; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Karolyne) LaBrecque, and Richard (Michelle) LaBrecque. Many other relatives and friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jennifer, and his brother Tom.
Gerry’s family would like to thank Embrace Care Management and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their care and support.
A memorial service for Gerry will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gerry’s name may be directed to Fresh Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County or the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center in Sheboygan Falls.
Our friend Alice Rabenhorst, who was Gerry's counselor at Sheboygan North High School, referred us to Van de Kreek & Associates, specifically Gerry Van De Kreek, CPA. Gerry started out as our CPA, but over the years, he became a friend.
He was very proud of his baseball career, his work in the community, and we always enjoyed hearing his many wonderful stories. We feel blessed to have known Gerry and to have called him our friend.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May your memories of Gerry bring comfort and peace in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss. Gerry and I both went to Grant School and North High, graduating in 1964. Most recently we connected thro
So very sorry for your loss. As a young couple starting out in farming, Gerry was recommended to do our taxes and over the next 35 years we appreciated his guidance, advice, professionalism, humor, and our yearly catch up conversations about family and life in general.
My sympathy to you and your family. I knew him since high school.
Sharon, so sorry or your loss. I met you and Jerry only once but was very impressed with both of you. So sorry you were not able to share a long retirement together. I pray or you.
Our condolences to Sharon and your family. Roger is having a procedure on Monday so we will not be able to make the showing/service. I,Barbara worked for Gerry for many many years. He was a super boss. Always ready to help anyone who needed it. He will be missed.
To Gerry's family. I was so sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. He was a great guy and a wonderful friend. Even though I went to South and he to North we worked together on many class reunions. We had similar backgrounds as we both joined the Air Force and served on numerous Sheboygan committees. His devotion and service to his comunity was remarkable. Unfortunately I have a commitment and will be unable to attend the visitation and funeral. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Grams
If you knew Gerry you knew what a great man he was. He lived life with all his heart and soul. He will live on in the hearts of not only his family, but also in the hearts of our community and beyond. My prayers will be with Sharon and GJ and his grand Grandsi during this very difficult time.
Gerry was a guiding light on the Sheboygan Board of Water Commissioners and continued to serve through his final Board meeting on July 9, concluding over 4 decades of service.
I’m saddened to hear Gerry has died. What a wonderful human being he was. He gave his all to his community and family . We pray Gods blessings will surround you all, love Claire Kilton Rice
I express my sympathy to the Van De Kreeke family.
