Obituaries

William H. Braucksieker

Photo of William H. Braucksieker
Mr. William H. "Bill" Braucksieker, age 90, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, January 15, 2018, at his home in Jefferson City. Bill graced those around him with gifts of laughter, love, and generosity. Bill was born June 27, 1927, in New Melle, Mo., the son of Henry and Marie (Brockfield) Braucksieker. He was married to Barbara Wigger who preceded him in death in 1989. In 1993, he married Norma Blake Hemphill in Ballwin, Mo. Bill graduated from Wellston High School in Wellston, Mo. prior to proudly serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Bill worked for Ford Motor Company at various dealerships throughout his career as a Service Manager. He greatly enjoyed woodworking and ran a small crafts business with his first wife, Barbara, called Calico Collage in the mid-1980's. He continued woodworking through his life, filling the homes of family and friends with handmade furniture and clocks. His handiwork wasn't all large; Bill greatly enjoyed model airplanes, even designing his own. A resident of the Jefferson City area since 1999, he was a member of the First Baptist Church and the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5. He was known for his smile and ability to joke and laugh with everyone he encountered. He met life's adversities with faith and a belief that God helps those who help themselves. His sense of humor was one of his defining traits, as was his generosity and pride in his children and grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed his ministry in the kitchen at the First Baptist Church, where he served both the homeless and church members at Wednesday Night Meals and special events. Survivors include: his wife of 24 years, Norma Jean Braucksieker, his daughter, Melissa (Patrick) Kennedy of Seattle, Wash.; granddaughter, Shanleigh Kennedy of Seattle, Wash.; two step-sons, Gary (Sandra) Hemphill of Jefferson City, Mo. and Kenneth Hemphill of Piedmont, Mo.; five step-grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jason) Parks, Joseph (Liz) Hemphill, Rebecca (Jason) Reed, Ashley Hemphill and Alexa Hemphill; 10 step-great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Barbara Wigger Braucksieker; his sisters and their husbands, Bernice and Gilbert Willerding, Evelyn and William Harper, Mae and William Brown; and his step-daughter-in-law, Cindy Hemphill, as well as Barbara's and Norma Jean's siblings. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Military honors will follow the memorial service. Private interment will be held at the Pilgrams Rest Baptist Church Cemetery in Ware, Mo. In lieu of flowers, his family would welcome support of Bill's favorite charities through donations to the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd., Suite 1-C, Columbia, Mo. 65203 or the First Baptist Church Kitchen Ministry, 301 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published January 18, 2018