Obituary for Byron O. Brekke

Brekke, Byron O. age 92, of Brooklyn Center, died peacefully into Jesus's arms on 11/27/17. Proceeded in death by loving wife of 56 years, Doris. Survived by children, Karen (Martin) Frusti, Paul Brekke, Carol Brekke, and Curt Brekke; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings Ellis Brekke, Burma Brekke, and Maye Brekke; nieces, and nephews.

Byron was born August 10, 1925 in Canby MN to Hazel and Oscar Brekke and was baptized Sept 20th that same year. He moved to Albee, SD in 1931. He graduated from Revillo High School in 1943, and then served as a flight cadet the U.S. Navy, from September 1943 to August 1945. When WWII ended he returned to South Dakota, enrolled in SD State College (now University), and joined the Army ROTC. He graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1950 he was called up and served in Korea as a 1st Lieutenant Infantry Commander until February 1952. He was awarded the Purple Heart and honored with a Bronze Star for valor.

Byron married Doris (nee Jensen) Oct 11, 1952. He was confirmed at the Lutheran Church of the Triune God April 20, 1956. Byron and Doris raised four children in Brooklyn Center MN. He was a very active member of his church.

Byron worked as an Engineer for Honeywell starting in 1952 and retired after 37 years, in 1989.

Byron was an active member of the community. He was a volunteer member of the Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center Civil Defense Police from 1955 – 1975. He served on the Brooklyn Center School Board, District 286 from 1963 to 1984. In 1968 he helped charter Independent School District 287 resulting in the creation in 1972 of the Suburban Hennepin County Area Vocational Technical Centers (now known as Hennepin Technical College). He served on the District 287 School Board from 1968 to 2005.

Byron continued to be involved in education, volunteering as a math tutor at Earle Brown Elementary School until 2015.

Throughout his life he enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was dearly loved by his family and an inspiration to many generations.

Funeral Service 11 AM Friday December 8 at Lutheran Church of the Triune God, 5827 Humboldt Ave. N., Brooklyn Center. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Thursday December 7 at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, and 1 hour prior to service at church. Interment at Crystal Lake Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Lutheran Church of the Triune God.