Willis James (Bill) Brakke, 79, died on January 1, 2002 at the Luverne Hospice Cottage. He was born on the family farm in Delafield Township, Jackson County, MN, on April 26, 1922 to Gustav and Christina (Pohlman) Brakke. He graduated from high school in Lakefield, MN in 1939, and attended Worthington Junior College prior to his enlistment in the Naval Air Corps. After flight training, he transferred to the Marine Air Corps, piloted B-25 Mitchell aircraft in the South Pacific during World War II, and attained the rank of captain. He was recalled to active duty in Korea during the conflict there.
Bill graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948, and married Delphine (Del) Undem on July 16, 1949 in Sioux Falls, SD. They lived in Luverne, MN, where he was a zone and district manager for Investors Diversified Services (IDS) for 35 years. After retirement, he served for eighteen years as a Rock County commissioner. One of Bill's most gratifying achievements was being instrumental in the preservation and restoration of the historic Rock County Courthouse.
Bill was very active in community affairs. Among other activities, he was the charter president of the Luverne Jaycees, was president of Rotary and was a founder and charter board member of the Southwestern Mental Health Center, which he served for 37 years. He also was on a number of regional, state, and national boards and committees. He received many public service awards, including ones from the Association of MN Counties, the MN Department of Health, the MN Public Health Association, and the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers.
He was a member of St. CatherineÕs Catholic Church, the VFW, the Luverne Country Club, and many other community organizations.
Bill is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and 10 grandchildren: David Brakke, Harrisonburg, VA; Susan (Bill) Jeska, Minnetonka, MN; Tom (Sue) Brakke, Deephaven, MN; Linda (John) Zimmerman, Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren Kristin (Chris) Horton, Martin and Peder Brakke; Anna Jeska; Crystal, Michael and Daniel Brakke; and Ryan, Kate and Abby Zimmerman. His sister, Edith (Russ) Nesseth Buhler, and nieces and nephews also survive him. His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at the Dingman Funeral Home in Luverne on Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00, and a prayer service at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. CatherineÕs Catholic Church on Friday at 10:30, with visitation beforehand starting at 9:30. Memorials are preferred to the Luverne Hospice Cottage or a charity of choice.