Neal Alfred Brokaw, 81, of Burlington died peacefully Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa.
Neal was born May 2, 1941 in Burlington, Iowa to C. Lyle and Verena Billsten Brokaw. He was a graduate of Media High School and was active in music, FFA, track, basketball and football. A 1963 graduate from Wheaton College in Ill. with a B.A. in mathematics, he then went on to complete his Master’s Degree in 1969 from Western Illinois University. Neal taught Jr. High mathematics in Wheaton, Ill. for 15 years until he decided to return to the farm in Raritan, Ill. to continue the operation with his father, Lyle.
He married Carol Jeffrey on August 19, 1967 in Clinton, Iowa. He was also a Bible study teacher, Deacon and Elder of the Raritan Reformed Church and New Hope Community Church in Burlington. A strong man of faith he always looked to invest in others and displayed strong leadership in all he did. He was involved in Kiwanis, Farm Bureau, Raritan Community Remembers, Raritan Bicentennial Committee. Neal’s hobbies included bicycling, traveling, reading, watching sports (especially of his children and grandchildren) and listening to music. Above all else his priorities were his relationship with Christ and his family.
He leaves behind his wife of almost 55 years: brother Curtis (Cheryl) Brokaw of Medinah, Ill.; sister Janet Brokaw of Raritan, Ill.; daughter Kristin Whiteman (Bob) of Somonauk, Ill.; son Douglas (Vanessa) Brokaw of Spring Hill, KS; special friend Steven Haynes; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
The memorial service for Neal will be Monday, July 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Raritan Reformed Church in Raritan, Ill. with the Reverend Craig Holmes officiating. Visitation will be Sunday July 10, 2022 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lunning Chapel in Burlington. Inurnment will be at a later date in Raritan Cemetery.
Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to Kiwanis Club of Burlington, Samaritan Purse or donor’s choice.