John R. Bertucci, age 63, of Eau Claire died Saturday, August 19, 2006, at Luther Hospital. His death was the result of an accident.\r\nHe was born June 22, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ann (Domico) and Anthony Bertucci. John grew up in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 to 1967. In the Marines, he was a Field Music Bugler and earned two Good Conduct Medals for his service. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Chicago Wyman and Gordon Forgings company, before moving to Eau Claire in the 1980s. In Eau Claire, he owned Bertucci's restaurant on Madison Street. After this, he took a job with the State of Wisconsin, where he worked for 12 years. Since 1994, John worked at Luther Midlefort Hospital and Clinic in the Environmental Services Department, where he had many close friends. He married Bonnie Swanstrom on October 9, 1999 in Eau Claire. They were together for over 14 years.\r\nJohn is a cornerstone in the lives of many people. He is remembered for his love of music and singing. In the 1980s, he was the lead singer in a local band, the "Last of the Unknowns". He was also an amazing storyteller with a humanitarian heart and a kind soul. Many loved ones and friends remark that he was a person with whom they could share anything. His loss is devastating; however, his family believes John would be very proud, having given his organs to those in need.\r\nHe is survived by his wife, Bonnie; five children, Mark, Gina, Anthony, Deborah, and Angie; step-daughter, Marnie Henderson (Tristan); grandson, Sebastian Bertucci; brother, Ronald Newkirk (Jeanette); two sisters, Dolores Albro and Mary Ann Bertucci; brother-in-law, William Kerkering; former wife, Angela Bertucci; and numerous nephews and nieces.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his mother, Ann (Domico) Newkirk; step-father, Paul Newkirk; and his sister, Darlene Kerkering.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2006, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home in Eau Claire with Father Norbert J. Wilger officiating. Entombment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will conduct military honors. Visitation will be from 12:00 (noon) Friday until time of services at the funeral home.\r\nJohn was a proud philanthropic member of the Samaritan Club at Luther Midlefort in Eau Claire. For those who would like to make a memorial donation in John's name, please send donation to Luther Midelfort Development Office, P.O. Box 4105, Eau Claire, WI 54702.\r\n

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