Ralph Brocker (1974-1977)

Birth: June 9, 1931

Death: August 4, 2021

Burial: Rowley Cemetery (Williamston, Michigan)

 

Ralph was born June 9, 1931 in Plymouth, Wisconsin the son of Milton Carl and Christena (Rosenbauer) Brocker. Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War with the ranking of Airman First Class. He was stationed in Fort McChord in Tecoma, Washington, working as a radar operator and trainer. There he met his children's mother, Lila Belongie (Brocker, Kilsdonk). He retired from Dart Container but prior to that he worked as a salesman, owned and managed a gas station and was a farmer. After retirement, his favorite pastime was serving as the manager and caretaker of the Florida Fly Wheelers Park in Avon Park, Florida. This is where he built and donated a replica of an antique livery stable. Ralph loved to listen to polka music. Ralph served as the grand worthy president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1288 and was a past member of the American Legion. He also had the honor of being a past Mayor of Chilton (1974-1977).

Lila and Ralph's children: Charles Brocker, Debbie (Ken) Tasch, Fred (Gretchen G.) Brocker, Janet (Jay) Rabida, Jim (Tammy) Brocker, Mark (Julie) Brocker, Irene (Poma) Brocker’s children, Rosemarie (Kevin) Clark, Tony (Bev) Poma, and Janie (Duane) Willsmore; 28 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and sisters Bernice Groh, LaVerne Kabat and Jean Brocker (Bernie Fraser). Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene Brocker; and brothers Marvin Brocker and Jerome Brocker.