David Brockhoff, of rural Fairview, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly one on Thursday, January 19th, 2023. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, at Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha, KS. He was 60 years old.

David Martin Brockhoff was born October 3rd, 1962 at the Sabetha, KS hospital. He attended elementary school in Fairview, KS and then rode a bus daily to Reserve for his 5th grade year. Junior high years he attended Robinson Middle School, and completed his high school years at Hiawatha High School, graduating in May of 1980. Following graduation he worked for Brockhoff Feed Yards, until he was hired at Harmony Hog Farm in the fall of 1981. He met Dawn Taylor, of White Cloud, in the spring of 1982 and they were married from August 28th, 1982 until 2010. In 1983 they welcomed their daughter, Emily, and in 1985 their son, Benjamin. He continued to work at Harmony Hog Farm until dust pneumonia caused him to have to quit and return to the family farm. He worked as a construction laborer from 1986 until 1990 when he decided to work for himself remodeling homes with the help of his dad Norman Brockhoff. It eventually turned into D & N Construction, and they provided quality and trusted home remodeling services to people throughout Fairview, Sabetha and Hiawatha.

David had a gift for building beautiful woodwork. He and his dad had a sawmill for a time, and eventually used their talents to start Windy Hill Wood products. They took orders and sold their products at local craft shows. He was meticulous when it came to his work, and he worked very hard, but eventually the construction side of his business had taken too much of a toll on his body. With the newly built Golden Eagle Casino close by, he ended up taking a position in the management side of their maintenance department. He was still able to use his talents and seemed to enjoy the change of pace. One person referred to him as a “Johnny on the spot”, saying that he could fix anything that broke. In 2010 he made a switch to the neighboring Sac and Fox Casino, where he was also in the maintenance department. You can probably walk through there and still see his handiwork dotted throughout the building. He continued working there until he passed.

David made many friends and touched many people in his time on earth. He did his best to blend into the background, and tended to speak up when it was something important or he was passionate about, but he was usually fine with letting others take care of the details and gain recognition. You could tell it meant a lot to him when others recognized him, but he was very humble and didn’t like the spotlight. If he was at a busy event or gathering he much preferred to be outside and away from the noise. However, those who had the privilege of knowing him behind closed doors were blessed with his funny and ornery side. He loved to throw out playful banter and off the wall comments that he usually said out the side of his mouth with a sparkle in his eye as he waited for a reaction. Over the years he enjoyed many different hobbies, but some of his favorite things were connected to the outdoors. He hunted in his younger days, but carried his love for fishing and his general love of animals and all things nature throughout most of the rest of his life.

David left this world not fully understanding how special he was, but anyone that knew him knew the truth. The words awesome, hero, great man, special, talented, wonderful, and one of a kind have been used to describe him, and the list could go on. He may have tried his best to make himself small and humble, but he left a big impression on the hearts of those that knew him.

Survivors include his daughter Emily Hess (Brian) of Topeka, his son Ben Brockhoff (Megan) of Blue Springs, Missouri, 4 grandchildren, his mother Nancy Brockhoff, Aunts Joyce Brockhoff and Diane Brockhoff, cousins Hazel Steely, Cathy Brockhoff, Mike (Kelly) Brockhoff and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Norman, brother Charlie, sister Teresa (Althouse), and significant other Angie Higley.

A Celebration of David- eternal life service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 26, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

The family will meet with friends a half hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be in his name to be used for mental health organizations which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special remembrance or story may be shared with the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com