William R. Brokaw

1928 - 2011

STRONGHURST - William Russell Brokaw, 82, rural Stronghurst, died at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at home.
He was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Albion, Mich., the son of Russell and Mala Calhoun Brokaw. On Nov. 21, 1951, he married Alice Kane in St. Augustine.
Bill was a 1947 graduate of Media-Wever High School, and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He then farmed all of his life near Stronghurst, and enjoyed every planting and harvest season, including last fall.
He was a lifetime member of the Stronghurst American Legion Post 765, where he had served as post commander, vice commander, a member of the color guard, and was instrumental in organizing Boys' State. He was a member of the Veterans of the 25th Infantry Division of New Jersey, Stronghurst Lions Club, Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau, and had served as Raritan Township trustee for many years. He was also a member of the Henderson County Historical Society, and was a proud supporter of Southern and West Central athletics and FFA programs. Bill was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Raritan, and had served on the church board. He was a recipient of the St. Isidore Award, given by the Peoria Diocese of the Catholic Church. He also marked the graves of veterans annually in the Raritan Cemetery for more than 35 years.
Survivors include his wife, Alice; four sons, Patrick (Brenda) Brokaw of Stronghurst, Joseph (Tammy) Brokaw of Seaton, Raymond (Gloria) Brokaw of Biggsville, and Richard (Wendy) Brokaw of Media; nine grandchildren, Sarah, Lee, Theresa and Mary Brokaw, Laura (Ryan) McLaughlin, Everett and Bridget Brokaw, Matthew and Nicholas Brokaw; one great-grandson, Jackson McLaughlin; one brother, Lawrence (Alta Mae) Brokaw of Raritan; and one sister, Hazel Francis of Taylor Ridge. He was preceded in death by one son, Paul Brokaw; and five sisters, Ethel Kirkland, Ruth Brokaw, Helen Heikes, Carolyn White and Frances Wells.
The rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Friday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church near Raritan, with The Rev. Mark Miller as celebrant. Burial with military rites will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Memorials have been established for St. Patrick's Catholic Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospitals and Stronghurst American Legion Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.