William "Bill" Brokaw

William Russell Brokaw, age 82 of rural Stronghurst, Illinois, died at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday June 29, 2011 at his home. He was born August 20, 1928 in Albion, Michigan, the son of Russell and Mala Calhoun Brokaw. On November 21, 1951, he married Alice Kane in St. Augustine, Illinois.

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 Future Farmers of America programs. Bill was an active member of St Patricks 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 over thirty five years.

Survivors include his wife, Alice, four sons- Patrick (Brenda) Brokaw of Stronghurst, Joseph (Tammy) Brokaw of Seaton, IL., Raymond (Gloria) Brokaw of Biggsville, IL., Richard (Wendy) Brokaw of Media, IL., 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, IL. 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 5:00 p.m. Friday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Patricks Catholic Church near Raritan with Father Mark Miller as Celebrant. Burial with Military Rites will be in St. Patricks Cemetery. Memorials have been established for St. Patricks Catholic Church, St. Judes Childrens Hospitals and Stronghurst American Legion Scholarship Fund.