Obituary for Susan Kay (Hinrichs) Brokens

Susan Kay (Hinrichs) Brokens, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by love and the peace of God.

Susan was born on January 22, 1952, in Monticello, Iowa, to Mildred ‘Milly’ (Rieniets) Hinrichs and Harvey Hinrichs. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1970 and carried with her the values learned there throughout her life — lasting friendships, love of books and reading, and a genuine care for others.

Growing up, she attended St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Monticello, where she was confirmed and later married, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong faith that guided her words, actions, and relationships.

Susan married the love of her life, Greg Brokens, on August 31, 1973. Together they shared a devoted marriage filled with love, laughter, and steadfast partnership throughout joys and challenges. They would have celebrated 53 years of marriage next August, a testament to their enduring bond and commitment to one another.

Susan’s faith guided her daily life and was evident in the way she treated everyone she met. She had a gentle spirit and a generous heart and was known for her ability to make people feel truly loved, welcomed, and valued. She was deeply passionate about what was good in the world and equally passionate about speaking out in troubling situations. Fiercely protective of her family, she stood firmly for those she loved and for what she believed was right. While dementia took away pieces of her memory and added challenges to her daily life, it never changed her love.

Susan had a deep love for animals and nature and found peace and joy in the beauty of the world around her. She especially adored her beloved bichon, Baxter, who brought her great comfort and companionship.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Susan loved watching sports with Greg and sharing those moments together. She was a wonderful cook, lovingly preparing meals that brought family together. She always loved to enjoy a sweet treat and going out to eat, especially when it meant spending time with those she loved. She loved crewel embroidering and also sewed beautiful Christmas stockings for her children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews — gifts stitched with care that became treasured family keepsakes.

Susan took great pride in her work in various administrative secretarial roles, especially her first job as a school secretary. Wherever she worked, her kindness, organization, and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone with whom she came in contact.

In retirement, she enjoyed painting intricate paint-by-numbers, word games and puzzles, and spending meaningful time with her dearest friends and family. She loved creating family traditions, playing games, and celebrating everything — whether big milestones or the smallest everyday joys. She made countless special memories and formed some of her most cherished friendships while camping with Greg at Gehrke’s Lake, a place that held a special place in her heart.

When she was able, Susan loved attending Cottage Church, and later found comfort and connection by watching Hope Lutheran services online. Her faith remained strong throughout her life, and her love of God was reflected in the kindness, grace, and compassion she showed to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Greg Brokens; her children, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Brokens and Anthony ‘Tony’ (Christy) Brokens; and her beloved grandchildren, Jackson Neely (Natalie) and Gavin Neely (Abby); Tucker and Hudson Brokens; and Devonny and Brenna Goodman, each of whom held a very special place in her heart.

She is also survived by her brother, Steve Hinrichs; her sisters-in-law, Jacki Hinrichs and Cindy Brokens; her nieces and nephews, Sarah Hinrichs and Tyler (Danielle) Hinrichs; Lindsay (Matthew) Keenan; Ashley (Brock) Ferry; and Jonathan (Emily) Brokens; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and cousins who were dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law, Ed and Velda Brokens; her brother-in-law Gary Brokens; and her dear aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life service may be held at a later date.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Though she is deeply missed, Susan’s love, faith, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.