Dennis Brakeman

Dennis Ray Brakeman, age 70 of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away at his home surrounded by family on August 9^th, 2021.  Dennis was born March 11^th, 1951, in Broken Bow, Nebraska to Ernest and Thelma (Ballenger) Brakeman. He grew up with his siblings, Judy, Gary, and Rodney (Buzz) and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1970. From 1970 to 1972, he served in the United States Navy.  He was stationed in San Diego, California aboard the USS Oriskany, at the end of the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked on a harvesting crew in several states, then for Philips 66, and the Co-op in Broken Bow. Dennis started working for the City of Broken Bow in 1978 as a lineman for 37 years.

In September of 1972, Dennis married Debra Jean Hanshew. They had three daughters together, Lori, Stacy, and Tristan.

During his lifetime, Dennis was involved in many activities. He played softball for Wittig IGA and JD Bottle Shop. He enjoyed coaching softball and throughout his lifetime he coached the women’s Slippery Rock softball team, his daughters, and his granddaughters. He was an active member in the Elks Lodge and was very involved in their softball program. Bowling was another activity where Dennis enjoyed the comradery of friends.  His other favorite past times were fishing, playing pitch, gambling, and fantasy football.

Dennis spent the last 10 years with his loving companion Ginger. Together they enjoyed many adventures, where Dennis shared his love of fishing and gambling with her. Every once in a while, Ginger would drag him on the dance floor, which he didn’t mind.  Eight years ago, they adopted Dennis’ faithful sidekick Tucker, a Maltese-Shitzu mix.

Dennis is survived by Ginger Correll of Broken Bow, NE; Lori (Shawn) Racicky of Mason City, NE; Stacy (Scott) Tincher of Loup City, NE; Tristan (Pat) Berggren of Broken Bow, NE; Geoff (Shaye) Champ-Correll of Lafayette, CO; Bridget (Joe) Huettner of Kearney, NE; his sister Judy Baillie of Broken Bow, NE; brother Gary (Tiny) Brakeman of Colona, IL; sister-in-law Mary Brakeman of Americus, KS; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one on the way, several nieces and nephews including Tim (Angie) Baillie of Pleasanton, NE.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Ernest and Thelma Brakeman, brother Rodney (Buzz) Brakeman, brother-in-law Ted Baillie, and nephew Jeff Baillie.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Broken Bow Municipal Building with Kathy Salts PMA officiating. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Aseracare Hospice, DYO, or Nebraska Game & Parks Foundation (Fishing Night Broken Bow). A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with family greeting 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com