BLOOMINGTON - Tom Brokaw, 73, of Bloomington, died August 10, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. Celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

Tom would not have traded his 40-year career as a State Farm Agent for anything. He was a good neighbor indeed and he was endlessly grateful for his staff and proud of the agents he mentored.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman and loved farming, hunting, and teaching kids to fish. He will be recognized as a 2022 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Volunteer of the Year at this year's Illinois State Fair.

He coached youth football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. On his teams, he wanted everyone to have fun and know they were valued.

Tom was born August 16, 1948, to John A. and Erma Brokaw, who farmed, and who preceded him in death. He married Nancy Steele in 1973. She survives; also surviving are his daughter Katie of Merced, CA, and his son Stephen (Amanda Penabad) of Oak Park; and their soon to arrive son; and a brother, Jay.

Tom graduated from Trinity High School (Central Catholic) and Illinois Wesleyan University, and he cherished both schools. He was dedicated to service and building community, especially when it came to helping others access the outdoors and running the standing long jump event at the Special Olympics. Thanks to his farming background, Tom could fix anything.

Above all, Tom valued his family and wonderful friends. He was accepting of everyone he met, was always quick to laugh, and loved to lend a hand whenever he could.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central Catholic High School, Illinois Wesleyan University, Ducks Unlimited, or a charity of the donor's choice. The outdoors and youth mentorship were particularly close to his heart. You may view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Aug. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Brokaw

Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.

19 Entries

John varble

August 9, 2023

I knew Tom from the time we shared play pens, our parents where great friends we stayed in touch with each other our whole lives. There where a few years we where not in touch with each other. I reach out to Tom the last several years we talked about fishing in Wisconsin when we where little kids and hunting on the Brokaw farm and getting our first shotguns at age 6 and five killing our fist doves, rabbits and pheasants that same year. We where friends for life I truly am going to miss my brother, and on August 16th I´ll go to church and pray for him, God should have waited to take him so early, he was a great father and a person we could all learn from.
John Varble

Tom McShane

September 13, 2022

I always enjoyed fishing and hunting with Tom. Tom helped me cope with a horrible divorce and I can't thank him enough for that. My sincere heart goes out to the family.

Tom McShane

Pat "Beeler" Shadle

August 22, 2022

So sorry to hear of your loss, Tom will be so missed! God Bless.

Kathy Beeler´

August 22, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Mark & Kathy Beeler

Marc Featherly

August 20, 2022

Nancy and Katie, I´m so sorry for your loss. Tom was a really wonderful member of this community.

Jim and Juli Thorpe

August 20, 2022

We were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We are praying that you receive peace, love and blessings during this time of loss.

Suzan and Doug Gildner and Mary Jo Barker

August 20, 2022

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Tommy was such a kind person and many memories were made with his parents and the Barkers and he joined in on many occasions!

Dee Thompson

August 18, 2022

My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.

J. Keith Anderson

August 18, 2022

Jay, very sorry for your loss. My best to you and the family.

Gary Swango

August 18, 2022

Tom - I never got to see you right before you left this world, but I want you to know that having you as a close friend for so many years was so special to me and my family, especially Blake. My life would not be what it is without having known you and sharing so many memories over those years. You were always one of those human beings who was larger than life, someone who enjoyed life and made others around you do the same. You were the guy who was always smiling that just wanted everyone to fun, whether it was at the goose/duck club, coaching kids, or working with athletes in the Special Olympics. You will be missed by me and so many others whose lives you touched. God Bless you!

Linda & Al Bowman

August 18, 2022

We are so saddened by the loss of such a great man. The obituary was lovely and honors his memory. We can tell Tom valued what mattered most. And we know that led to a life full of love and laughter. The greatest blessing of all. Peace to all of you who loved him.3

Gary loense

August 17, 2022

Such sad news to hear.

Sandy (Weber) Bumpus

August 17, 2022

Tommy did part of his growing up on E. Market St.. He was always fun, always kind and grew up, I believe, to be the same kind of adult. I´m sure his family is going to miss him dearly! RIP, in Heaven sweet Tommy!

Sonny Freeman, Murfreesboro Tennessee

August 17, 2022

Deepest sympathy and most sincere and heartfelt Prayers to the Brokaw Family. Tom was a true gentleman, a sincere and compassionate friend for many. We all have just lost a dear person. His battle is over, may he Rest in Peace.
PAX,
Sonny Freeman

MARLENE GREGOR

August 17, 2022

Nancy- A big hug and sympathy to you. i understand your loss and the emptiness.
From my experience the void will always be there, but the loving memories remain always. Keep up your good works. I wish you well and Tom peace.

Robert Wilson

August 16, 2022

Tom was a solid friend. We communicated frequently the past several years of his life's journey. Always hoped to see him in a goose pit at Banner Farm again. Tom was a good man. I will miss him.

Ed Riehl

August 16, 2022

Our paths crossed primarily as a consequence of Emily & Stephen's experiences in the public schools of Bloomington/Normal & college. Tom was a wonderful gregarious fellow, gracious to all. He is a terrific example of a life well lived; albeit, too short.

Gary Gundy

August 16, 2022

He was a Very Good Man and friend. He will be missed. My condolences to the family

Anne Brokaw Neptune

August 14, 2022

So sorry for your loss Nancy and family! I remember the big family dove shoots at our farm, all of those Brokaw boys had shot guns, I was too small and got to help the dogs pick up the birds! Most of the time the dogs were too fast for me! Annie

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