Friday, October 10, 2008

Warren Brokering Obituary

Friends and Family, this is the obituary, which will be in the Terre Haute and Shelbyville, IN newpapers.

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Warren Brokering, 41, of Terre Haute, Indiana left this earth to meet his heavenly Father on Thursday, October 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pm ET.

He was born, Warren Keith Brokering, on April 13th, 1967 to Nancy Lynn Stout Richards of Shelbyville, Indiana. He spent his formidable years in St. Paul, Indiana attending Hendricks Elementary, Waldron Junior High and Waldron High School where he excelled in wrestling and reached the state finals.

In 1986, God gripped Warrens’ heart and he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Following God’s calling, he enrolled at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, WI.

Beginning in 1986, Warren worked his way through college as he studied Youth Ministries. After many long years of sweat, toil and tears, Warren graduated in 1994.

Warren entered the ministry as a Youth Pastor in a small church in Virginia and began influencing many lives for the cause of Christ.

Later in his ministry, God called him to Bible Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana. He faithfully served as a Youth Pastor for 10 years. It was during this time that he contracted lung and liver cancer. As he received chemo treatments and battled cancer he continued to minister to his youth group influencing hundreds of young people to serve Christ.

God then opened a door for Warren to work with other cancer patients at Providence Medical Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. He worked there as Chaplain for 2 years encouraging others in the Lord and leading many to Christ.

Warren was preceded in death by his father, Max Brokering, and leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Tana (Rodabaugh) Brokering and three small children; Madelyn (8), Chloe (6) and Spencer (4).

Also surviving Warren is his mother, Nancy Lynn Stout Richards of Shelbyville, IN; grandmother, Izzetta Brokering of Shelbyville; brothers, Scott Brokering of St Paul, IN. and Darin Brokering of Shelbyville; sister, Melissa (Rosenfeld) DeStain of Shelbyville; aunts, Sharon Broughton of Shelbyville and Janie Newhouse of Indianapolis and multiple nieces and nephews; and lastly, his extended family, in-laws, David and Ann Rodabaugh of Coon Rapids, MN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Warren Brokering through 5th/3rd Bank at 2511 Poplar Avenue Terre Haute, IN. Phone number: 812-462-0376. Please request your gift to be placed in the Brokering account ending in 001.

23 comments:

Schoonover Family said...

Tana and family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Warren was a tremendous individual who touched many lives, directly and indirectly. He will be missed, but we can rejoice in the fact that one day we will see him in his new body in Heaven, where there is no longer pain and suffering. Praise the Lord God gives us grace each second that we need it. II Cor. 12:9 "And He said unto me, MY grace is sufficient for thee: for MY strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

We love you and will continue to pray for you.

Brian, Jody, Jackson, Jefferson and Allison

Anonymous said...

Dear Brokering Family and Rodabaugh Family,
Our prayers are with you all. Warren was a wonderful Christian and witness for his Lord. I remember when he last spoke at Woodcrest and was so impressed with his message and testimony! He definitely has fought the good fight! He has truly been your "knight in shining armor", Tana! Love, Ron and Jan Simons

Anonymous said...

Tana, Mr. and Mrs.Rodabaugh,
We are continually praying for grace during this time. What a wonderful testimony Warren left this world with. I know many lives will continue to be touched because of his love for Christ. We love you all. Hugs to the kids for us.
Pastor John, Sharon, Gina, Jack and Julia.

Amy said...

Tana and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of Warren's passing to Heaven. He was a wonderful man who could make anyone laugh and smile and had such a giving spirit. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God wrap you up in His loving arms and give you the strength you need daily.

Love and Prayers,
Amy (Holl) Norris

Betty 'Rie said...

Tana,

I met Warren when I was sixteen years old. My sister was already in college at Maranatha and I had come to visit her. She was friends with Mark Martens, and it was through Mark that I met his brother, Dave. We all know that Dave actually had a twin, named Warren. Imagine the impression that these two goofballs made on a wide-eyed, sixteen year old girl. I would have to say that I came to Maranatha largely due to the friends that I made when I came to visit my sister. Through the years, it never changed. I maintained my "hero worship" of both Warren and Dave all six (yes, six) years of my college experience. I was proud to be a second, eh hem, third year senior in such good company. My memories are many, and every one of them cherished. We were all very proud of Warren when he snagged such a wonderful girl, we were never quite sure how he talked you into it! :-) You loved for him for all the reasons that we did, and so many more. God is your refuge and your strength, Tana. He will not leave you through this trial. Cling to him, and when you get the chance to read through all these comments, know that you and your husband, and your precious babies are well-loved.

Anonymous said...

Dear Tana,

Over the years, the mere mention of the name Warren Brokering has brought a smile to my face. What a fruitcake! :>) It has been so gratifying to watch, at Maranatha and in the years that have followed, as the Lord matured Warren into a vessel fit for His service, yet without messing with the "fruits, nuts, and spices" that made Warren such a lovable guy! I was so tickled (back in the day) when Warren agreed to play the role of "Bottom" in MBBC's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Warren was so sure that he would be out of his element on stage. All the world was a stage to him, whether he knew it or not, and he captivated the audience instantly with his innate sense of comedic timing. And when he appeared on stage with the head of a donkey...well, you can imagine!!!

Please know that you are loved by me and lifted before our loving Father often!

Sincerely,
Carol (Miss Senn) Ruffin

Kelly said...

Tana,
I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I am constantly thinking of you and praying for you and your whole family.
Both you and Warren have made such an huge impact on my life. To see your faith and trust in God through this time has been such an encouragement and challenge to me. I will be earnestly praying for you all in the weeks and months ahead. Love you!

then sings my soul said...

Tana and family,
We are praying for you and the kids. We are so sorry to hear of your loss and jealous of Heaven's gain!

Love and prayers to you all,
Jamie and Sarah Cotelleso

Anonymous said...

Our years at Maranatha seem so long ago...it is funny the things we remember. Tracy and I remember you just smiling and shaking your head as Warren cracked another joke or did something silly...may God give you and your children wonderful memories of him for you to seal in your heart and your children's hearts forever. We have been praying for you and will continue to pray for God's AMAZING GRACE.
Love you all,
Tom, Tracy, Hannah, Thomas and Brittney Allen

Anonymous said...

Tana,
I am so sorry for your loss. From all that I have heard and know, Warren was a wonderful man. Only by God's grace will you be able to continue on I am sure. BUT, God says, "My grace is sufficient for thee;for my strength is made perfect in weakness."IICor. 12:9 Just wanted you to know I am one of many of a grand host of people who will be praying for you. Love, Mrs. Butler (Jewel)

Jenn Basham said...

Tana, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Our church here in Georgia is praying for you as well.

Silly 1 said...

Tana and family:
There are things in this life that are so hard to comprehend and this is one of those times. I am so honored to have known Warren at Maranatha. He took me to my first Artist Series my freshmen year. What a nut and he brought so much laughter and joy to so many!! I can't even begin to say that I understand what you are going through. I can say that you will be in our prayers in these coming days of the funeral and adjustment. Thank you for sharing this incredible hard time with us. And the peace which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Lovingly, Marit(Turbett) and Brad Stille

Gerry Carlson said...

Tana and children, Dave and Ann:

Kristy called on Thursday to tell us the news that Warren had finished his struggle and entered into the Lord's rest. Connie has been faithfully following Warren's reports and testimonies. They have been a marvelous expression of God's glory and grace. We know that the Lord will overwhelm you with His love at this time of your sorrow. We are praying for you.

We are traveling on a ministry trip to Christian school conventions. I mentioned Warren as a triumphant illustration in a workshop Friday of God's enabling power and grace. The Lord took "perpetual student" Warren and made him into a wonderful youth worker who knew where the kids were, but more importantly knew His great God. Warren was a great example to those who work with young people of what God can do with a life.

Gerry & Connie Carlson
Ps. 91:2

Anonymous said...

My name is Andy Lee, I pastor Crossroad Community Church in Shelbyville, IN. I knew Warren when he was still in Bible college. He would come home during the summer months and challenge our youth group. He invested alot of time discipling me and hanging out with me. Looking back on those who impacted me to go into the ministry, Warren was definitely one them. I thank my God everytime I remember you. Thank you for your investment in me and many others. Enjoy all that God has waiting for you in heaven. I am praying for your family and the youth group you've led for years. May God touch many more lives and spur many others to invest in our youth today. May the God of all comfort run to your wife and kids right now and every day they live. I know He will, His is faithful to His kids.

Anonymous said...

Tana, I was so sorry to hear of your loss this week. I always enjoyed working with Warren in the Costume Room getting ready for a production. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be in the days ahead.

Ellen (Roehl) Hierl

Anonymous said...

Tana and family,
We just wanted you to know that our family has been and will continue to pray for you. Thank you for your sweet testimony through all of this.
II Corinthians 12:9 "And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Michael & Laurie (Veth) Grismore & family

Anonymous said...

Tana,
I can't even imagine the depth of your grief right now. I ache deeply for you and your children. Warren could always bring a smile to my face or a laugh to my heart, and I'm sure he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May God continue to be your Rock, Shelter, and Hiding Place. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
your old roomie,
Robin (Shisler) Greiner -- PA

Anonymous said...

I was so saddened to learn of Warren's passing. Until now, I had no idea that he was a Christian or that he had been ill. I had not seen him since high school. It is only now that I am finding out that God had used Warren in powerful ways. I am so delighted to find out that he chose service to Jesus Christ over the ways of this world. I am greatly humbled by the faith that Warren had. All these years have gone by, and I never knew Warren was a Christian, and he never knew that I was a Christian. I do suppose that in the wisdom of God I learned of his faith at the proper time. Even though his passing is such a sad event, God has used the things Warren did to encourage me in my own Christian life, to fight the good fight of the faith, to strengthen the weak knees and arms that are feeble - to run the race that is set before us. Praise God that Warren allowed his life to be used by the Lord. I rejoice because I know that when my time comes to go home to heaven, I'll see Warren there!

My my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Warren's family and loved ones during this very difficult time. May the Lord comfort and strengthen their hearts.

In the meekness and gentleness of Christ,

Steve Haymond
Waldron High School class of 1984

Anonymous said...

Tana - Just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you today throughout the funeral. I know it will be filled with mixed emotions as you grieve his loss and celebrate his life. I pray many will hear about Jesus today and turn to Him through Warren's testimony. I will continue praying for you and your kids in the days ahead. Love, Sheila

Nobe-1-Kenobi said...

Tana and Family,
I've been really agonizing over the last few days of what to say. Without a doubt, Warren was a very close friend while I was at MBBC. We had so many fun times together. We used to dress up all in black and sneak out of the dorms after lights out and set up glasses in the cafeteria so when people came in the morning there would be glasses set up everywhere. We would also leave little bat signal everywhere as well. One time, we wanted to sneak off campus on a boring Sat and were smuggled out in the trunk of a little Dodge Aries. We would be at a stoplight and people on the sidewalk would hear loud laughing coming from the trunk. O man. I couldn't begin to tell you how many times Warren would jump on top of me and sniff my ears like a dog. Wrestlers. Lastly, I remember the first time he mentioned to me that he wanted to ask you out but was scared that you were to good for him. Yes, guys do think that way too. I had left MBBC and a few years later I heard you guys had got married and I was so happy for both of you. I have often thought about Warren over the years and even briefly talked to him once or twice. I wish God had saw fit to keep us closer in proximity and I probably should have tried harder, but I am so happy that in his biggest trial he had a loving family to be by his side. I know the line "he is in a better place" isn't much comfort when you miss him sooo much, but in time the pain will subside. My deepest prayer is for your children that they will turn to God in those times when they are trying to understand why their daddy was taken home so soon. I did, so I know it is possible. Warren's testimony inspires me to be a better father, husband, and man.

With much love,
Eric, Becky, Paige , and Chelsea Nobrega

Terri Gordon LaBrecque said...

Tana,
I just wanted to let you know that I have prayed fervently for you all weekend. I teach in a Christian school in Flint, MI and we prayed together for you and your family several times today. Warren touched so many lives and will be remembered with such fond memories. God's grace IS sufficient as I know you have found already. You have shown such amazing strength and poise through all this. I'm so glad Warren had such a loving wife as you.

We will continue to pray for you and you family in the days and weeks ahead.

Sarah said...

Tana, I am weeping as I read all of these comments....such a perfect tribute to a great man. Although I was only around you two on a few occasions, you touched my life with your godly testimony, marriage, and love for those in your life.
I am sure the road ahead will never be "easy" but it is wonderful to know that you are not facing it alone.
You and the kids are in our family's prayers, as well as in the prayers of many out here in Colorado at our church.
I love your family, and am so glad you have their strong support during this time.
God bless you, Tana.

--Sarah Caucutt (and family)

Anonymous said...

Tana and family,
We just learned of Warren's home-going. We want to extend to you our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family.
Love,
Tony and Jennifer (Caupp) Cotelleso
Rockford, IL