Jacob W Brakke

Jacob Ward Brakke, 35, passed away on December 30, 2023, after an accidental fall while vacationing in Florida.

Jake's funeral mass will be at St. Mary Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with refreshments and fellowship to follow. 

Visitation, with family present, will  be at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, January 8, 2024, from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Jacob (Jake) Brakke was born on October 19, 1988 to Jason and Cindy Brakke in Green Bay WI.  A true Packer was born on that day. It did not matter if they were good or bad, Jake supported the green & yellow always.  Jake lived in Green Bay, Minot, ND, Omaha, NE and Sioux Falls, SD.  He attended elementary and middle school in Sioux Falls graduating from WHS in 2007.  

Jake went about learning things via YouTube, books, the internet or by lived experiences.  He eventually became a certified Truck Driver through STI and thus began his career with long-haul trucking.  He was also a salesman, farmhand and a maintenance man during his working years, but trucking was his primary job.  He traveled to 47 of the 48 contiguous states in the US.  Jake finished his trucking career with Windwalker Transportation. During these years, he met RilieJene Haken and they were partners in life for 13 years. This union produced an even greater love of his life, his daughter, Harper in 2015.

He was a family man and loved planning trips and getting Harper signed up for activities. Most of all, he just enjoyed being in Harper’s presence, chatting & playing games. Jake had a passion for tropical fish and had up to 27 fish tanks of all sizes in his basement over the years.  He loved taking care of, watching, showing off and selling his fish.  He hoped to open his own fish store someday. In addition, he loved his dogs-Belle, Rudy, and Molly.   

Jake loved the outdoors, camping and gardening, both flowers and vegetables. Jake was a real handyman and fixed all that he set his mind to, going to any extent to learn and do it himself. If he had free time, hanging out with friends or playing video games were his go-to.  His travels began at an early age with Grandma & Grandpa Brakke on various trips.  He also loved spending time on both grandparents’ farms and doing things outside while on the farm.  He loved to banter & debate with anyone about politics or life, no matter the outcome.

Jake had a fierce love for family and close friends.  He would be there to help in a moment when asked and never said “no” to those he loved.  This love of helping and caring for others allowed him to become an organ donor.  His gift of life lives on in others with his organ donations and in research.  His caring attitude will continue on.

He is survived by his daughter, Harper and Harper’s mother, Rilie Haken, Sioux Falls; his brothers Logan, Dakota Dunes and Tad, Sioux Falls; parents, Jason & Cindy Brakke, Sioux Falls; many aunts, uncles, step-aunts, step-uncle & cousins on both sides & step-cousins; close friends, Isaac Anderson, Sioux Falls; Brett Cosand, Sioux Falls, Derek Hurley, Sioux Falls and Chuck Seachris, Presho.

Jake is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harvey & Phyllis Fridrich, Adeline Fridrich and paternal grandparents, Harold & Jean Ann Brakke; and Molly, his first dog.