Bernard M. Brakenhoff

Bernard Miller Brakenhoff, 81, of Litchfield, passed away on Mon., Aug. 2, 2021 at 8:22 p.m. in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born on Nov. 11, 1939, in Pana, IL, a son of Carl and Lucille (Miller) Brakenhoff.  Bernard graduated from Morrisonville High School with the Class of 1957.  He went on to the University of Illinois and received his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture in 1964.  Bernard worked as a Building Contractor/Salesman at Energy Tech Construction with his brothers, Les & Dale for over 40 years.  In his earlier years, he worked for Massey-Ferguson Tractor Company.  He and his brother, Les, started Taylorville Farm Center in Taylorville and partnered there for approx. 5 years.  He also worked with WelBrak Builders building Bonanza Pole Barn Buildings and was a Sales Rep. for Stamer Implement Company.  He married the former Dinah Kay Fritzsche on June 20, 1964 at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield.  She survives.  Bernard was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Litchfield.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

2 sons, Kevin (Amber) Brakenhoff

             Bradley (Michelle) Brakenhoff both of Litchfield

1 daughter, Barb (Morrie) Fraser of New Douglas

3 brothers, Leslie (Sue) Brakenhoff of Litchfield

                     Byron (Terry) Brakenhoff of Chattanooga, TN

                     Dale (Nancy) Brakenhoff of Litchfield

3 sisters, Ramona Warman of Charleston, IL

                Joyce (Larry) Simmons of Litchfield

                Marilyn (Don) Loptien of Littleton, CO

1 sister-in-law, Kathy Brakenhoff of Nebraska

8 grandchildren, Austin (Fiancée, Witni Scott) Brakenhoff; Taylor Brakenhoff; Madison Brakenhoff; Stuart (Nikki) Fraser; Mason (Fiancée, Meghan Anschutz) Fraser; Bolton (Melina) Brakenhoff; Brandon (Jordin) Brakenhoff; Brett Brakenhoff

2 great-grandchildren, Wyatt & Owen Fraser

Special cousin, Ruth Ann (Elmer) Broers of Nokomis

Numerous nieces & nephews

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Rev. Larry Brakenhoff; 1 brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Warman; 1 niece, Kimberly (Brakenhoff) Bergman.

Funeral services will be held on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.

Rev. Stephen Schmidt will officiate.  Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield.

Visitation will be held Fri., Aug. 6, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be designated to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or Lighthouse Pregnancy Center. 

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