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Emerson Krings, a senior at Humphrey St. Francis, signed a letter of intent last week for track at Southeast Community College. The SCC track team and Coach Phillip Duncan welcomed Emerson to his signing. Pictured, front row, left to right, are his mother, Ashley Krings, and Emerson. Back row, Emerson’s father Steve Krings, and SCC coach Duncan. Courtesy photo

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St. Francis made itself at home, winning the Flyers Invitational Thursday. Pictured, left to right, are Tyson Wietfeld, Carson Wessel, Matthew Brockhaus, Andrew Kosch, Jacob Keller, Wyatt Brandl and Jett Dunn. Courtesy photo

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Mark Joseph Brockhaus

Wed, 12/13/2023 - 4:00am

Mark Joseph Brockhaus, 61, of Madison, Nebraska, died from a glioblastoma brain tumor, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, surrounded by family at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey with Father Stan Schmit celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Vigil Service. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9:30 AM until Mass time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Humphrey St. Francis Catholic Church or Lindsay Holy Family Catholic Church.

Mark was born on May 29, 1962, in Columbus, Neb., to Paul and Marlene (Janicek) Brockhaus. He attended St. Francis School in Humphrey and graduated in 1980. On Sept. 1, 1990, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Wiese at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska. They were blessed with five children.

After high school, Mark attended college for agriculture, and then began farming with his dad, Paul. He later graduated with an accounting degree from UNL in 1990. Mark began his employment as a certified public accountant in Columbus, along with doing tax work in Humphrey with Scow, Rief, Kruse, and Schumacher, P.C. Later, he became a partner at Kruse, Schumacher, Smejkal, and Brockhaus, P.C in Norfolk. Mark enjoyed helping his clients with their taxes and building relationships with them over the years. After tax season each year, Mark would shift his focus to farming. He was blessed to have two careers that he loved.

Mark’s Catholic faith was a central part of his life. At St. Francis Catholic Church, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and participated in many Bible studies, along with attending a Christians Encounter Christ weekend. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, the Nebraska Society of CPAs, and American Institute of CPAs. Additionally, he served on the Steepleview Golf Course Board, Parish Finance Board, St. Francis School Board, and Parish Endowment Board.

Mark enjoyed spending time with his family, farming, golfing with his children, and card club with friends.

In 2019, Mark was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

Mark Joseph Brockhaus

He cut back on both his tax work and farming, allowing him to spend more time with family and friends. His strong Catholic faith, along with the prayers and support of the community, sustained him throughout his four-year illness.

Mark is survived by: Wife - Jeanne Brockhaus of Humphrey, Neb.

Daughter - Laura (Richard) Poppe of Central City, Neb.

Son - Robert Brockhaus of Des Moines, Iowa Son - Michael Brockhaus of Des Moines, Iowa Daughter - Anna (Christian) Carothers of Omaha, Neb.

Son - Matthew Brockhaus of Humphrey, v Grandchildren - Paul, Holland, and Grace Poppe of Central City, Neb.

Mother - Marlene (Kenneth) Ebel of Columbus, Neb.

Sister - Lynn (Ron) Saffer of Lincoln, Neb.

Sister - Barbara (Brian) Bullington of Lincoln, Neb.

Sister - Kimberly (Duane) Ostdiek of Columbus, Neb.

Brother - David (Jynell) Brockhaus of Omaha, Neb.

Father-in-law - Glenn Wiese of Lindsay, Neb.

Sister-in-law - Shari (Dan) Ullman of Lincoln, Neb.

Brother-in-law - Jerry Wiese of Lindsay, Neb.

Many nieces and nephews Mark was preceded in death by: Father - Paul Brockhaus Mother-in-law - Mary Ellen Wiese Brother-in-law - Robert Wiese Brother-in-law - Alan Boesch Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com

The Humphrey Democrat

314 Main St
Humphrey, NE 68642
402-923-1400