Ronald Broeckel

Ronald N. Broeckel, long time LaCrosse resident, was flown to Deaconess Hospital in Spokane where he died suddenly on October 8, 2018 from an apparent heart attack. He was 63.

Ron was born April 1, 1955 in Colfax to Daniel and Darlene Scaros Broeckel and was the oldest of their four children. He grew up in Hay, Washington, and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1974. Ron was on the track team in high school. He worked for area farmers as a farm hand and laborer.

Ron married Shann Stritzke in Colfax on October 23, 1976. They made their home in Dusty for a while and then moved to Winona; eventually settling in LaCrosse where they have lived for many years. Ron worked for LaCrosse Transfer as a fertilizer man. He also worked for 19 years for the LaCrosse Grain Growers and during the last 13 years Ron was the hired man for Dee Camp and D & L Farms.

Ron and Shann had three children and he spent many nights (most nights) after work taking them fishing, either down on the Snake River by Riparia or out to Pampa Pond. The family also spent many weekends camping. Ron was a Scout Leader for the boys, J.B. and Michael, for 8-10 years and always followed daughter Krissy in her activities too. He loved teaching the kids to ride bikes on the hill near the LaCrosse school or flying kites on the ball field. He was so proud of his family. He was also proud to serve his community as an EMT and a volunteer fireman. He had a strong work ethic and often fabricated or machined at a side welding business that he ran for many years.

Ron will be missed by many in the community but most especially by his wife of nearly 42 years, Shann, at their home; three children, J.B. (Jennifer) Broeckel of LaCrosse, Krissy (Jeff) McNeilly, Colfax, and Michael (Cara) Broeckel of Pasco; his seven grandchildren who he loved so much, Dustin, Jacob, Grayson, Brayden, Bailey, Macoy and Archer; by his mother, Darlene (Charles) Hoover of Hay; his brother, Randy of Yakima, and his sister, Conie (Dave) Bennett of Colfax. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Daniel, and by a brother Cory.

Private family services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts in his memory be to the LaCrosse EMT's and Volunteer Fire Department or to the Whitman Hospital Foundation in Colfax. On-line guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.