Donald H. Broeker, age 97, New London passed away peacefully at his home on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014.
Donald was born on March 29, 1917, in Wheatland, Wyoming, son of the late Isla (Stark) and Henry Broeker. He was united in marriage to Helen Wegman in Union, Missouri. On November 1st of 2011 they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They met while Don was stationed at Scott Field in Belleville, Illinois. Donald was a World War II Army Air Corp Veteran serving in the China-Burma-India Theater as a Staff Sergeant. Together Don and Helen owned and operated Broeker Lumber Yard in New London for 24 years. Donald was an active former member of the United Methodist Church in New London and current member of Faith United Methodist Church, Neenah. Donald will be remembered by many for the more than 15,000 pocket size wooden crosses he made and gifted to people and groups, both locally and worldwide. There have been many testimonies of touched lives. He also handcrafted many clocks. Don was an avid golfer, loved road trips with Helen, and enjoyed fishing excursions.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Janet (Tom) Hoare, Neenah; son, Richard Broeker, New London; sister, Helen Bayer, Appleton; grandchildren, Brian (Lisa) Frost, Waunakee and Julie (Troy) Westphal, Neenah; great-grandchildren, Steven and Scott Frost and Pamela Westphal, and nieces and nephews, Jim (Kathy) Bayer, Elizabeth (Frank) McKenzie, Sue Jabb, Paul Bayer, David Bayer. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, a son Robert and his parents.
Funeral services will be held for Donald on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church (1025 Tullar Road) Neenah with Pastor Tim Albrecht officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Military rights will be held at the church. A lunch will follow. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton alongside wife Helen. A memorial fund has been established for Faith United Methodist Church. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London assisted the family with arrangements. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com