Gerd “Gary” Alzuhn

Gerd “Gary” Rudolf Alzuhn, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Home Again Assisted Living in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He was born March 12, 1939, in Essen, Germany, to Bruno and Helene (Walschus) Alzuhn.

Gary immigrated with his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1952 as a young boy and embraced the opportunities of his new country. He proudly became a United States citizen on December 19, 1961, a milestone that meant a great deal to him throughout his life. He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1963.

Following graduation, Gary began a long and distinguished career with The Oilgear Company in Milwaukee, where he worked for 44 years from 1963 until his retirement in 2007. Over the course of his career, he became widely respected for his engineering expertise and problem-solving abilities. During his time with Oilgear, Gary designed hydraulic pumps, motors, and descaling equipment used in steel mills. He also contributed to projects supporting the United States Navy and NASA.

In addition to his engineering career, Gary shared his expertise by teaching Fluid Power courses part-time at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Waukesha County Technical Institute (WCTI). He also served as a past president of the Wisconsin Fluid Power Society.

Gary remained proud of his German heritage and sang with the Liederkranz German Male Choir in Milwaukee. He was also deeply involved in the Masonic community, serving as a member of James A. Garfield Lodge, Tripoli Shrine, and the Scottish Rite. He served as Worshipful Master of Garfield Lodge in 1989 and 1992, Secretary of the Whitnall Park Shrine Club, and Chief of the Shrine Provost Unit in 1993. Gary was also an Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters Bethel #5. Through his work with the Shriners, he found great purpose helping raise funds for Shriners Children’s Hospital.

On August 3, 1963, Gary married Kay (Martin) Alzuhn. Together they had four children before later divorcing. On November 15, 1991, Gary married Beatrice “Bea” (Kilthau) Alzuhn. Together he and Bea shared many happy years traveling and cruising throughout the United States and abroad. Summers were often spent enjoying time at their camper in Door County. As Bea’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s disease, Gary became her devoted and loving caretaker, faithfully caring for her for many years.

Gary enjoyed theater and musical performances, playing cards and bingo, and gathering with family and friends. Known as a jokester, he often kept copies of his favorite jokes ready to share with anyone willing to laugh along. A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, Gary hosted many Packers parties and was easily recognized each winter in his infamous Packers leather jacket. During the holidays, family and friends especially looked forward to his homemade eggnog and rum balls.

Gary is survived by his children: Heidi (Chad) Bladow and their children Rachel and Jason; Julie (Andre) Torres and their children Maria, Samantha, and Kevin; Eric (Marisela) Alzuhn and their daughter Abagail; and Leslie (Doug) Hansen and their children Ashley, Calla, and Zack. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Linda Barker and her children Carrie and Crystal; Thomas (Kathy) Kilthau and their children Alicia and Danielle; and Jan Reinert; along with eight step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandson.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beatrice “Bea” Alzuhn; his parents Bruno and Helene Alzuhn; his sister Margret Weber; stepson Ken Reinert, stepson Frank Barker; and step-granddaughter Stephanie (Kilthau) Hardin.

Gary will be remembered for his humor, storytelling, generous heart, and the joy he brought to family gatherings, Packers games, and holiday traditions.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, followed by a service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.