On December 15th, after a life of ministering to others, the Rev. Dean C. Brockmeier passed on to his heavenly reward surrounded by his family.
Born October 11th, 1940, in Holdredge, NE, Dean grew up on a cattle farm but felt the call to the ministry as a teenager. He graduated from Wartburg Seminary in 1966 and soon after married Carolyn “Kari” (Strey) Brockmeier, an RN and the loving and practical hands that complemented his spiritual heart.
Dean will be remembered for many things, but most of all for his servant leadership. Dean began his ministry at our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Solon Springs, WI, where he served for six years. As pastor of Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Elk Mound, WI, for over 35 years, Dean shepherded his congregation through two major renovations, started the village’s food pantry, and led Luther League canoe expeditions in the Minnesota boundary waters, delighting in the rivers and lakes that were so different from the prairies of his beloved Nebraska. In 2005, he was humbled to be presented with Wartburg Theological Seminary’s “The Living Loehe Award” for distinguished service to and through the Church.
As a dedicated community leader, Dean was a charter member of the Elk Mound Lion’s Club, where he helped organize fundraisers ranging from tractor pulls to fish fries and pancake breakfasts for over 40 years. He was a village board trustee, serving two terms, and a Chairperson for the Elk Mound Habitat for Humanity Committee. Perhaps the achievement that most exemplifies Dean’s generous spirit was the founding of the annual EMHS Seniors’ All Night Graduation Party in 1986, an event he championed to ensure that every graduate had an opportunity to celebrate their achievement in a fun and inclusive environment.
Dean loved to travel, visiting 13 countries and all 50 states with wife, Kari. Much of Wisconsin was seen from the driver’s seat of his beloved Ruby Corvette on trips with the Corvette Club, of which he and Kari were charter members. A renowned baker whose pies were in high demand, Dean was also an avid woodworker and fisherman, enjoying many trips to Canada with son Karl as well as teaching granddaughters Frannie and Sophie to fish on Lake Nancy.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Brockmeier and Elsie (Roesler), and brother, Walter Brockmeier. He is survived by his wife, Kari, his children Tricia (Steve) Murphy, Tracy, and Karl, his brother Wayne (Susan) Brockmeier and sister Joanne (Dave) Fenner, sister-in-law Geraldine Strey and his grandchildren Frannie and Sophie Murphy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Neighbors of Dunn County for the compassionate care they showed our loved one throughout his stay and in his final days.
Visitation will be held at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church at 207 University St., Elk Mound, WI, 54739 on Friday, January 3rd, between 4:00-7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 4th at 10:00, followed by funeral services at 11:00. The family invites all to join them afterward for lunch and fellowship in the church gathering room.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial to one of the following:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Solon Springs, WI
Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, Elk Mound, WI
Barum Lutheran Church, Elk Mound, WI
Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Elk Mound, WI
Or the charity of your choice.
Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
