Brokens, Robert Paul

Robert Paul Brokens, 89, of Coggon, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at St. Patrick's Church in Monti by Father Dennis Cain. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Monti. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Central City.

Robert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Brokens. He was born in Scotch Grove, Iowa, on Dec. 7, 1923.

He has two brothers, Edward and Kenneth; and a sister, Helen.

Robert graduated from Monticello High School in 1941. He worked at Consolidated Aircraft during World War II building B24 bombers. Robert married his high school love, Georgene Dempsey in 1944. She died May 4, 1987. They had four children, Paul, Beverly, Barbara and David. All are deceased, except Barbara (Robert) McCright.

There are two granddaughters, Kori (Tadd) Martin and Amy (John) Berns; and four great-grandchildren, Matisen and Morgan Martin and Wyatt and Clay Berns.

Robert married Darleen Baty on June 3, 1989.

Stepchildren include Terry Baty, Lon (Kathy) Baty and Steve (Bobbi) Baty; stepgrandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Baty, Jennifer (Dave) Austin, Mathew Baty, and Mitchell Baty; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

He worked at the Independence Mental Health in maintenance for 12 years.

Robert served as president of Local Chapter AFSCME, president of Two River Good Sams Club, president of Buffalo Creek Square Dance Club and president of Jones Boys Cycle Club. Robert loved woodworking and traveling.

Bob and Darleen wintered in Mission, Texas, where they enjoyed square dancing for 16 years. He loved to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, go camping and travel in their motor home.

Please sign the online guest book for Robert at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 16, 2013.