Gerald J. Englebert, 85, of Brussels, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday evening, November 2, 2026. Born on June 9, 1941, in Namur, Wisconsin, Gerald was raised on a farm by his loving parents, George and Mayme Englebert. The lessons of dedication, resilience, and stewardship he learned in his youth shaped the rest of his life. He turned that upbringing into a lifelong passion, going on to successfully own and operate his own dairy and hog farm. In November 1959, Gerald married the love of his life, Janice Marie Neuville. Together, they built a beautiful life anchored by partnership, faith, and a shared love for the family they created. Nothing mattered more to Gerald than his family. He was incredibly proud to watch his legacy grow.
Gerald is survived by his wife of almost 67 years: Janice; four children, Kay (Vicki Hollenbeck) Englebert, Jim (Dawn) Englebert, Joe (Jacki) Englebert and Jerome (Tara) Englebert; daughter-in-law: Karen Englebert; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren with another arriving in December, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life. He is further survived by a sister: Janice (Leonard) Zittlow; brother: David (Dixie) Englebert; brother-in-law: Richard (Glorianne) Neuville and sister-in-law: Sandy Neuville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Mayme Englebert; mother-in-law and father-in-law: Clifford and Esther (Willems) Neuville; one son: John Englebert; two brothers: Ronald (Patsy) Englebert and Donald (Mary Ann) Englebert; brothers-in-law: Patrick (Babbette) Neuville; Robert Neuville and sister-in-law: Theresa Neuville.
Visitation for Gerald will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Forbes Funeral Home, 319 W Spruce St. from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 11:30 AM. Officiating at the memorial service will be Rev. Rob Hoppe. Cremation has occurred and Gerald will be laid to rest at St. Mary of the Snow Cemetery, Namur.
He will be remembered as a man of the land who poured his heart into his work, but most of all, as a family man who cherished every moment spent with those he loved. His memory and his humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. The Forbes Funeral Home & Cremations is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Gerald’s family on his memorial page at www.forbesfuneralhome.com.
