Wayne Broeckelman

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Wayne J. Broeckelman, 78, husband and father, died in Beloit because of advanced cancer. He was born Nov. 23, 1941, in Quinter, Kan., to Herman and Catherine (Bierman) Broeckelman. He moved with his family to Esbon as a young boy. He attended school in Esbon, graduating in 1959.

In 1962, Wayne married Joan Lamb at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon. They lived briefly in Beloit and in Esbon, before taking residence at their farm west of Esbon in 1970.

Along with farming, Wayne had a backhoe service and was a school bus

driver for the Esbon and White Rock school districts. He served numerous

terms on the rural water board and provided water maintenance for the City of Esbon. He was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish and member of the Knights of Columbus where he held the role of financial secretary. One of his prior pastimes was participating in tractor pulling contests where he was quite successful. He was a fan of the Kansas University basketball program.

In December 1992, Wayne became disabled with a rare nervous system disorder that limited his physical abilities. Despite this significant impairment and with the gracious help of many neighbors, relatives and friends, he and Joan continued their farming operation until they retired in 2012.

Wayne was an example of perseverance and humility. He led his family with invaluable lessons:

- All people are important regardless of their place in life.

- Never ask or expect others to do what you would not be willing to do

yourself.

- Encouraged and supported us to work to our fullest potential.

- One must pay some dues before the rewards of life will come – do not

be discouraged!

Preceding him in death were his parents, Catherine and Herman Broeckelman; brother, Don Broeckel- man; sister-in-law, Sharon Broeckel- man; brother-in-law, Bill Peroutek and nephew, Ronnie Broeckelman.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Joan; sons: Mark (Sandra) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mike (Sharla) of Beloit; Monte (Gina) of Harlan, Iowa; daughter, Mrs. Wesley (Melinda) Williams of Austin, Texas. His 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and sister, Ida Mae Peroutek of Salina.

A memorial funeral mass for the family and friends will be held at a later date at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Esbon.