Donald Brockman

Born to eternal life Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the age of 93. Loving husband and love of the late Jaclyn (nee Woll). Survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends such as Rick, Ryan, Jonathan & Megan Moze, the neighbors, Beth & Larry, who were especially kind to us over the many years. Jenny, across the street also was the kind gal looking after us. Curtis was friendly and kind to help.  Preceded in death by his parents, William and Bertha (nee Krause) Brockman, and brothers, Robert, William Jr. and Howard.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army in the Korean War period he went back to his accounting position at Miller Brewery. He was a Life Member of the 32nd Red Arrow Veteran Association. Don joined the Milwaukee Police Department on 2/6/56 to follow in his Father’s footsteps and became a police officer for 34 ½ years. He served for 7 years at #5 District and in the Juvenile Division for over 27 ½ years. While an active officer he was a member and Past Chairman of the Milwaukee County Juvenile Control (MCJCC) and a member of the International Juvenile Officer’s Association (IJOA). Don was a member of the International Police Association (IPA). He was also a charter member of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society.

Don was known as “The Patch Man” for his collection of police paraphernalia is on the Milwaukee Police Academy walls that he donated consisting of 133 frames. Two glass cabinets hold 55 foreign police hats and helmets that he also donated. Milwaukee Police Historical Society and Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department also received frames on his collections. He literally and physically toured the world and USA with Jaclyn collecting police paraphernalia and having many correspondents. His writings on the hobby appeared for many decades in professionally published newspapers, PCNEWS 35 yrs., The Milwaukee Badge, 30 yrs. and the International Police Association magazine.

Don endlessly volunteered himself with serving his church, Our Lady Of Lourdes, as President of the “Over 50 Club” for over a decade also serving as treasurer, Festival Security Chairman for ten years, Treasurer of the Holy Name Society, lector and usher. Don was also a board member of the Milwaukee Archdiocese Holy Name Union (MAHNU) receiving the prestigious “Only Jesus” award in 2012. He was a past Secretary and Treasurer of the Council of Festival Committees. After graduating from North Division High School in 1949 Don became involved in planning many high school reunions with the last one held for 70 years. Make-A-Wish Foundation Of WI 1999 – 2017 and other volunteer organizations too numerous to mention took up his spare time. He was a life member for 64 years of the American Legion and Past Commander of Milwaukee Police Post 415 in 2000, Chaplain 3 yrs. and 16 yrs. as Finance Officer. Don and Jaclyn sponsored a youngster to race in the New Berlin Soap Box Derby for 38 years and the Soap Box car held “The Patch Man” lettering.

Don was a life member of West Allis #291 Masonic Lodge, Wisconsin Scottish Rite Bodies and Tripoli Temple. In his teens Don was a Milwaukee Chapter DeMolay and received the Chevalier Award and later on receiving the Active Legion of Honor Award for his service in DeMolay and was a life member in both. He was a life member of the National Geographic Society. Don was also a member of Club Eichenlaub working German Fest for over a decade and retired from these German activities in 2006.

He was a recipient of the distinguished Milwaukee County Sr. Citizen Hall of Fame Award in 2007 and since was one of the judges.

Don had an endless love to help others and his energy, leadership and organizational skills will be missed by many. For over two decades one of his pastimes for the entire month of December was for the children as Santa along with Jaclyn as Mrs. Claus. His sleigh took them to schools, daycare centers, churches and to Senior Homes, Tuckaway Country Club, Hilton Hotel Tree Lighting and breakfasts’.

His devotion to Jaclyn was noticeable with love for each other helping to make sure all was well. He commented in the past that without Jaclyn he would not have accomplished his goals and aims in life. The time spent on vacations and travels together was logged so that they could reminisce with these writings and photos bringing back memories.

A Visiation will be held Friday, April 4^th at Our Lady Of Lourdes, 3722 S. 58^th St. from 9-11AM until time of Mass at 11AM. Private entombment at Arlington Cemetery – Cremation. Memorials to Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Make-A-Wish Foundation of WI, DeMolay Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. appreciated.