In loving memory of

Jean Brekke
July 13, 1925 - November 11, 2017

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM, Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Algona, with a rosary beginning at 4 PM and a Scripture Prayer Service beginning at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Iowa Dept. of Blind, EWTN, St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Algona or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong.

Jean Veronica Brekke, the daughter of Joseph and Grace (Hurley) Kennedy, was born July 13, 1925, on her family's farm near Seneca, Iowa. She died on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society in Algona, Iowa at the age of 92.

She graduated from Seneca High School in 1942. On February 12, 1947, Jean was united in marriage to Floyd Brekke in Fairmont, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in the Armstrong area. Jean worked at Montgomery Ward in Estherville as a bookkeeper. She was a hardworking farm wife and mother. Jean was famous for dressing chickens, making brownies and rhubarb cream pie. The couple retired in 1978 in Green Valley, Arizona. In 1996, the couple moved to Algona. Floyd died in 1999.

Jean was a member of St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Algona and a member of the Altar Society. She was a former member and taught CCD at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona, and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Armstrong. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and walking. Jean spent many hours volunteering in nursing homes and food pantries. She also liked to make trips to flea markets where she would add to her donkey collection.

Left to cherish Jean's memory are her children, Ron Brekke of Eagle Grove; Terry (Becky) Brekke of Waterloo; Peggy (Dan) Boettcher Brimfield, Illinois; Rick Brekke of Armstrong; Mary (Ivan) Droessler of Storm Lake; Sue Carlson (Myron) of Algona; and daughter-in-law Marlu Brekke of Bancroft; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and her brother Michael (Dorothy) Kennedy of Fairmont, Minnesota.

She has been preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; son, David; grandsons, Bruce and Joe; sister, Patricia Gengler; brother, Richard Kennedy; twin sister, Joan Wilkinson; special sister-in-law, Doris Carlson; and daughter-in-law Estelle Brekke.

Tributes

Joe Sullivan wrote on Nov 19, 2017:

"Dear Brekke Family, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your mother. Jean was a fabulous example of a Christian. I recall when she was my CCD teacher at St. Mary's in 8 or 9th grade. She was a good friend to our mom and family! The last time I saw her was At Jim Sullivan's wake; she was still fiesty ! Jim, Jerry & I spent many Sunday afternoons playing baseball, pool in your basement & basketball in your hayloft. Jean always had a homemade snack for us. Mike Kennedy I am thinking of you also! May Jean enjoy the beauty of the heavenly banquet!"

Darrell Ludwig wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Terry and all of your family: I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I recall you talking of her when we were visiting at Supervisors Club. My condolence to you and all of your family members. May she rest in peace. Darrell and Sally Ludwig. Cedar Falls, IA "

Barb Vaske wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Dear family of Jean, what comfort you must be receiving from knowing that your mother is walking the streets of Heaven! I remember her walking here with her white cane. If ever there was a woman full of spunk, full of love for her family and friends, and full of FAITH, it was Jean. I remember inviting her especially to rosary, a party, or musical entertainment, when she felt good enough, she hopped into her wheelchair and off we went. I am left with smiles when I recall her. I hope that you are smiling, too. If ever a mother, sister, grandmother and friend was blessed with wonderfully attentive loved ones, surely it was Jean. You all were so gooood to her and she so knew and appreciated that. May God be ever near you and give you the joy of knowing your mother is no longer suffering, but surely waiting for you to see Jesus, too and come walk and run around in Heaven. with love and peace, Barb Vaske"

Marsha Roberts wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"Peggy, Dan and family. Prayers of comfort for you and your family "

Mary Muller Lauf wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"My deepest sympathy to the entire Brekke family. My mom (Donna Muller) is certainly going to miss your mom. They have been friends their entire lives - what a blessing they have been to one another. I have great memories of your parents - always with a smile and positive attitude and can only imagine how happy they are to be reunited! May your memories bring you peace. You are in in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Muller Lauf"

Cindy Norton wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"We always enjoyed seeing your mom Peg. She had such a fun sense of humor. Your love for her was so evident and we know you'll miss her terribly. Prayers to you all. Rich and Cindy "

Sue Murphy wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"Sue & Mel: So sorry for the loss of your Mom. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Patty Elbert wrote on Nov 14, 2017:

"I remember her sense of humor. I visited her a few times with mom (Betty Reding) and she would make us laugh. Such a lovely soul. My sympathies to you."

Molly MacDonald wrote on Nov 13, 2017:

"I loved visiting with Jean when I brought her communion. She was always so cheerful and asked all about what I was doing. She never failed to praise the staff at Good Sam - "They take such good care of me," she would always say. I'll miss her warm smile. My prayers are with her family. Molly MacDonald"