Ora Broeker

Ora Nell Stern Broeker, 85, widow of Gilbert Broeker, died December 21, 2009 in Brenham Rest Home. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, with Pastors Matthew Jacobs and William Holzer officiating. Burial will take place in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Ora Nell was born August 15, 1924 to Herman and Emma Dannhaus Stern in the New Wehdem community of Austin County. She was baptized October 26, 1924 in St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem by Rev. Heineke, confirmed by Rev. R. A. Schmidt on April 2, 1939, and married to Gilbert Broeker on Nov. 12, 1942 by Rev. H. T. Flachmeier in the same church. She attended New Wehdem area schools. Ora Nell enjoyed meeting the public, working at Maddox Furniture factory as a seamstress, at Red Rooster fast food for 10 years, and as a butcheress for over 20 years with her husband of 54 years. A volunteer at Hospice Boutique for five years, she also enjoyed playing cards, dominos, and dancing in her spare time. Survivors include two sons: Nolan Broeker of Katy, and Doyle Broeker and wife Rita of Brenham; grandsons B. J. Broeker of Katy, Adam Broeker and wife Lee Ann of Arlington, granddaughter Casey Hayden and husband James of Conroe; nephew, Vernon Thielemann and wife Carol of Houston; great-nephew Brad Thielemann and wife Lisa of Houston; great-niece Michele Perkins and husband David of Houston and their children, Thomas Thielemann, Anna Thielemann, Brad Perkins, Mark Perkins, twins Elizabeth Grace and Katherine Ann Perkins, as well as many other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Herman and Emma Stern, sister Elsie Thielemann and brother-in-law Albert Thielemann. Her husband, Gilbert Broeker, died January 17, 1997. Serving as pallbearers are Adam Broeker, B. J. Broeker, James Hayden, Brad Thielemann, Vernon Thielemann, Casey Hayden, Wayde Bage, and Lee Ann Broeker. Honorary pallbearers are Vivian Maass, Jean Nell Wittneben, John and Patsy Chovanec, Crystal Chovanec, Kelley Chovanec, Cheryl Foley, Laverna Reuter, and David Perkins. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or to a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.