Gary Brokens,75, died June 17, 2024, following complications of Parkinson's Disease. A visitation will be held Monday morning, June 24, 2024, from 9-11 at St. John's Lutheran Church, in rural Monticello. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Caleb Schewe officiating. Gary will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has taken Gary and his family into their care.

Gary Edward Brokens was born on March 18, 1949, at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, Iowa. He was the son of Edward and Velda (Rickels) Brokens. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and graduated with the class of 1967 from Monticello Community Schools. He continued his education at Iowa State University, receiving a degree in Engineering. Upon graduation, he returned to Monticello, starting as a draftsman at Cuckler Building Systems, and participated in Monticello Jaycees, bowling, and baseball leagues. He was an EMT for the Monticello Ambulance Service, and a volunteer on the Monticello Fire Department.

Gary married Lucinda Carlson on July 31, 1976, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Monticello. Next, he constructed their home, nestled on forty acres of woods near Scotch Grove. He was a do-it-yourself man and the ultimate fixer and builder of all things. He was a Boy Scout Leader, youth baseball coach, and held various positions in his church including Church Council President. His children's activities kept him busy, and Gary never missed a game or performance. His interest in computer programming led to change from draftsman to becoming a systems analyst at Cuckler's and later at Cedar Rapids Gazette, and Norand. He then continued doing computer systems work and CAD (computer-aided drawings) at Commander Buildings in Monticello, retiring in 2015.

Life threw him a curveball with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. This gradually robbed him of his ability to pursue his many interests and hobbies such as skiing, woodworking, gardening, canoeing, hunting, walking in his beloved woods and searching for morels every spring. Even with his hardships and struggles, he had a quiet acceptance and rarely
complained. The terrible disease never defined him, nor could it rob him of his love for God, his family, the beauty of nature, and the partaking of a great meal followed up with dessert. He loved the seven precious children who called him Papa and brought him such joy.

Gary is remembered by his wife, Cindy, his three children: Lindsay (Matt) Keenan, Ashley (Brock) Ferry, Jonathan (Emily) Brokens, and seven grandchildren: Cadence, Annelise, Vincent, James, Rhett, Lucas and Joseph, his brother Greg (Susan) Brokens, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary leaves us a legacy of faith, love of family, hard work, and living life to the fullest.
His family wishes to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Groth and all the nurses, staff and therapists who have helped Gary over the years at Jones Regional Physical Therapy and their Parkinson's Support Group, Above and Beyond Home Care, especially his caregiver, Jim, and all who cared for him while at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.