"Deepest condolences to the Brocka family for the passing their dad. I met Craig many years ago. Spent several weekends at his home. Had some amazing parties. For a guy from Norrh Carolina it was a different world at the Brocka farm. Such a kind man. I can remember one time when he and his son were repairing the gas line from the tank out back to the house. Craig pulls out a lighter to do a leak check. I went a running. Now having deployed with the army I can say that day was by far the most fearful for me. Craig yelled out with his son laughing, Ben it aint gonna blow. Looking back my time whenever i was lucky enough to visit was always filled with endless laughter. Breakfast in the kitchen, going out to feed the dogs, tubing on the river or raising cane with my new truck in his fields. Such a special place in time that i wish i could go back to. Craig you are missed by so many. Miss you my friend. Thank you for all the great fellowship during my time on the farm. V/r, Ben Jacob Portsmouth VA 9103301934"
In loving memory of
Craig "Cochise" Alan Brocka
September 27, 1955 - November 6, 2018
Craig "Cochise" Alan Brocka, 63, of Dumont, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Muse Norris Hospice in Mason City, Iowa. He was born September 27, 1955, in Waverly, Iowa, to Melvin and Dorothy (Groen) Brocka.
Craig attended school in Greene, Iowa, and worked as a heavy equipment operator, running backhoe for Brocka Tile. Craig loved listening to Johnny Horton and loved to dance. People would clear the dance floor when he did his one legged dance move. Craig had a "Don't think about it, just do it" mentality and instilled this in his kids. He truly loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchild. Craig was non-judgmental and a listening ear, offering common sense advice to many. Though when he thought you were doing wrong, a shaking of his finger and his look of "I don't think so" let you know differently. His smile will be missed by not only his family, but by everyone that he was proud to call friend.
Craig is survived by his daughter Melissa (Lance Alderson) Brocka of Mason City, daughter Crystal (TJ) Haas of Madelia, Minnesota, daughter Naomi (Jake) Froyum of West Concord, Minnesota, daughter Emily (Jeremy Knock) Brocka of Clarksville, son Jeremy Brocka of Dumont, honorary daughter Macey Rohlfsen, grandchildren Connor, Devon, Hunter, Gage, Tanner, Mackenna (Nathan), Kade, Kaleb, Autumn, Coy, Levi, Keeley, Paisley, Hadley, great-granddaughter Kinsley, mother Dorothy Brocka of Bristow, brother Merlyn Brocka, sister Renae (Ben) Buresh, brother Dennis (Marilyn) Brocka, sister Mary (Dean) Peterson, sister Cindy (Daryl) Norman, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Melvin Brocka and infant brother Jack Brocka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Craig's family to offset funeral expenses.
Tributes
"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)"
"I think I've know Cochise pretty much forever! He was a great friend! Partied with him in our younger years. Loved his ole Monte Carlo. But he would never let me drive it. Lol . Went out with him a couple of times! He was a great all around guy. Nothing he wouldn't do for you!!! Him and Dad loved to play cards and BS. He always had a smile and a kind word! He will truly be missed! "