Wilford Russell Brecken Jr.

Wilford "Bill" Russel Brecken Jr., 82, of Bonduel, WI, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on March 29, 1943, to Wilford and Odelia (Nussbaum) Brecken and was admired for his strong faith, deep love for family and friends, and passion for farming.

The youngest of three siblings, Bill was raised on the Brecken family farm in the Town of Lessor, where his love of farming began. He graduated from Bonduel High School in 1962. He married Joan Eva (Schoenick) on September 9, 1972, and they shared 52 years filled with love, travel, and laughter. Together, they visited all 50 states and were known for doing everything together, offering their children an example of a strong, lasting marriage.

Bill was a faithful Jehovah’s Witness, baptized in 1981, and lived his life with a deep commitment to his beliefs, always striving to help and encourage others. He regularly volunteered each week to teach others these truths. Bill’s love for Jehovah and respect for the Bible shaped how he treated people, and his love for others—whether in his congregation, among his neighbors, or even strangers—was a defining characteristic of his. For this, he was dearly loved by many and had a special way of making people feel loved and valued.

As a lifelong farmer, Bill was able to help work on the Zernicke farm until the day he went into the hospital. He always said he “never worked a day in his life” because he loved what he did. He was fond of everyone who ever worked on the family farm, and many would still stop by to visit him just to chat and reminisce.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; children Russel (Julie), Dan (Wendy), and Jill (Joe) Hert; sister-in-law Judy Brecken; brother-in-law Ken (Bonnie) Schoenick; sister-in-law Patti (Bob) Bridges; sister-in-law Linda (Joel) Kroening; brothers-in-law Robert "Bob" (Darlene) Lee, William "Billy" (Penny) Lee, and sister-in-law Shari (Dale) Bergsbaken; along with many loving nieces, nephews, their children, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Odelia Brecken; his brother, Bob Brecken; his sister and brother-in-law, Lawrence and Jean Klapper; brother-in-law, Eldoen Schoenick; brother-in-law, Kurt Schoenick; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Johanna Schoenick, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Ginny Lee.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, particularly in the ICU, for their compassionate care during Bill’s final days.

Bill’s faith, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. We look forward to the time when we will see him again, as mentioned in Revelation 21:4: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”

A memorial service will be held on April 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Shawano Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, N4764 Willow Lane, Shawano, WI 54166, with visitation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be streamed via Zoom. Meeting ID: 867 4392 5616 | Passcode: Rev21:4