Dewey Carl Brockmann

Dewey Carl Brockmann was born in Harlan, Iowa to Carl and Ida (Wolf) Brockmann on March 7, 1937. He graduated from Harlan High School as a member of the class of 1955. During high school he worked first as a pinsetter at the bowling alley. Next, and after graduation he continued working as a mechanical typesetter at the local newspaper. He joined the U.S. Navy later that year and trained at Naval Station Great Lakes as an aerographer’s mate to serve aboard the USS Pine Island, a seaplane tender and flagship of the U.S. Taiwan Patrol Force. From his home port at Treasure Island, San Francisco, he sailed to Bikini Atoll, Eniwetok, Hawaii, Okinawa, Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, Hong Kong, and Yokosuka, Japan. Dewey served for two years and after a cross-country journey, moved to Omaha, Nebraska to work for Omaha Baker’s Supply as a wholesale representative for the Omaha area.

Dewey married Carol Ann Foje on June 20, 1964 in Persia, Iowa, and after one year moved them into their first new home in Carter Lake, Iowa. Dewey continued working for Omaha Baker’s until he decided to move into retail baking for Pettit’s Pastry in downtown Omaha. In 1973, Dewey and Carol moved to their second new home in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dewey was a member of Timothy Lutheran Church, in Council Bluffs, until 1980 when the family became members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Dewey attended college at night, earned his Business Degree at Buena Vista University, and soon after opened The Bakery located at 106 W. Broadway, in Council Bluffs, while sharing his experience teaching culinary arts and baking at Boys Town. After many fulfilling years operating his own business, Dewey retired from baking and began a new career by attending travel school, eventually sailing again on a cruise in the Caribbean. Dewey worked for several years as a sales representative for Alamo Car Rental in the terminal at Eppley Airfield in Omaha where he enjoyed always meeting new people. He was also a Youth Worker at the Emergency Shelter and Residences at Children’s Square, U.S.A. which gave him a connection to become a tutor and math instructor at the Kanesville Alternative Learning Center.

Dewey’s remarkable gift of conversation endeared him to many acquaintances and friendships developed during his life, and again he saw an opportunity for a new direction. Dewey entered the gaming industry and became an experienced table games dealer for Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs. After many years he became a docent at the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, where he was truly able to engage people at his leisure, share his interest in history and enjoy regular Jam n’ Bread old time musical performances there.

Aside from his broad experiences during his work, Dewey enjoyed traveling widely on trips to Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, California, Wyoming and Washington D.C. He used his lifetime National Parks Pass as often as he could. Equally as much, he enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends throughout Iowa, even as a host and team member on RAGBRAI. He was able to continue traveling internationally, stamping his passport on numerous visits throughout much of France and Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria and Italy.

Dewey loved his home and family life in Council Bluffs, and was a supportive husband and father who opened his home to many foster children. Quietly and unassertively, he empowered his family to explore their interests and helped them realize their own successes with which he was genuinely proud. He was not judgmental, only offering his opinions reluctantly, as he preferred to meet and know people on their own terms. He loved meeting new people and making new friends, telling stories from his childhood and Navy days, sharing jokes and his deep sense of humor. He also enjoyed being a member of his congregation, bird watching, reading, watching Westerns, playing cards with friends in pitch and pinochle groups, challenging his brother in cribbage, and listening to country, bluegrass, blues, boogie-woogie, cajun and zydeco music.

Dewey passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at the age of 85 years, 2 months, and 30 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Edith White, Viola Butterbaugh and Doris Ann (in infancy); and five brothers, Robert (Bob) Brockmann, Lyle Brockmann, Lowell (Bud) Brockmann, Richard Brockmann, and Ernest (in infancy). He is survived by his wife Carol Ann Brockmann; daughter Amy (Ray) Kuper of Underwood, Iowa; son Kent Brockmann of Council Bluffs; sister-in-law Lilas Brockmann; nieces and nephews, many other relatives and dear friends.


Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Visitation will be during the hour prior to the service. internment is at Harlan Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail - www.wabashtrace.org.