- Date Of Birth: February 25, 1948
- Date Of Death: September 1, 2012
- State: Idaho
Marvin Andrew Brekke, (Andy) was born in Sioux Falls, SD on February 25th, 1948; the son of Marvin Eugene Brekke and Julia Hagerty Michaels. On September 1st, 2012, Andy passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with lung disease. He was fortunate enough to have passed away at the home he shared with his loving son Ryan.
Andy grew up in Boulder City, Nevada where he attended and graduated Boulder City High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the Army in 1968 as a Heavy Vehicle Truck Driver and Rifle Marksman serving his country in two Vietnam tours.
He married Karen Marie Zufelt in January 1969 and made their home in Henderson, Nevada where their three children were born and survived by Tamara Dean Bondurant (Tammy), Angela Marie Garcia and Ryan Andrew Brekke. Andy chose a career as a Union Carpenter, putting in thirty years and retiring as a Foreman.
Raising his family in the deserts of Henderson, he always had an aquarium with various creatures, including rattlesnakes, tarantulas, horny toads, rabbits, lizards, chuckwalla and of course the kids always brought home the left over waterdog bait as pets. His favorite pet was his golden labrador, Sheba. She and Andy were best friends, sharing in the fishing and hunting together. When he came home, she had this crazy smile that looked like she was growling that she saved just for him.
After Andy’s divorce in 1991, he made his dream of moving to Idaho a reality and purchased a home with his mother Julia and step-father Randy who preceded him. In November 2002, Ryan moved from Las Vegas to Idaho to help take care of his dad in his illness and rekindle their friendship.
Andy loved bass fishing, deer and bird hunting with his family and friends, many of who have become life-long friendships. From a young child, Andy loved to read. He has read thousands of books over his lifetime, covering all subjects with an uncanny ability to recall and remember just about everything he had ever read. His favorite pastime was laughing and as everyone who knew him, knows how much he loved a good dirty joke! He really enjoyed country music and driving his children crazy while singing along, although he did have a beautiful voice – thank goodness karaoke hadn’t become popular yet!
Andy is survived by his three children, Tammy, Angela and Ryan, four grandchildren, Michael, Brandin, Alexis and Luke. Two sisters, Susan and Karel, four brothers, Bill, Dennis, Steve and John, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Barbara. The family would like to thank Pastor Jay, Kayle, Laura and Margie for the friendship and care they provided in his final months, he spoke highly of their kindness.
I’LL LOVE YOU ALWAYS
Though it may be hard at times to understand
Why I’m no longer there to hold your hand
There is something I wanted you to know
As you – yourself – continue to grow.
In the still of the night – or the quiet of the day,
Know – it was not my choice – to go away.
Though separation is painful – life is so brief,
So enjoy every day – do away with sorrow and grief.
Though the body is gone – the person never dies,
Truly I tell you – the soul lives and to heaven flies.
And so – from heaven – I’ll be watching you,
As you grow each day – and do what you do.
Keep me in your heart – as I keep you in mine,
And soon you will see – everything will be fine.
Know that I am with you – and continue as ever,
For when we meet again – it will be forever.
Put your faith in God – and follow his plan,
Learn to trust in his wisdom – and not that of man!
Yes we will be together again – one of these days,
Until then – remember – I’ll love you always!
Jeanne A. Brohart
