Obituary for John George Braeker Jr.

John G Braeker, Jr, age 64, of South St Paul, MN passed away February 6, 2021. Jack was born on February 8,1956 in St Paul, MN to John G. and Marlene (Monjeau) Braeker, Sr. Jack is survived by his loving daughter Linda Braeker (Kevin Osvold), sister Deb (Steve) Mullins, nephew Stephen Mullins, niece Jenny (Ryan) Holmberg, grand-niece Erin and grand-nephew Owen, former wife Yvonne Braeker (Vaughn), aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He is preceded in death by Mother Marlene Braeker, father and stepmother John and Harriet Braeker, grandparents Gordon and Olivia Monjeau, Walter and Wanda Braeker, brothers James and Joseph Braeker.

As a young child Jack lived in Redwood City, CA, before returning to St Paul in 1965. In 1968 his family moved to West St Paul where he attended Grass Junior High and Henry Sibley Senior High School, graduating in 1974, and made many close friends throughout his youth and young adult years. He loved playing and coaching hockey, attending sporting events, and the peacefulness of being on the water fishing, whether the water was frozen or not.

Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army and the National Guard. He was in the 122d Maintenance Battalion from ‘77-81 then ‘81-83 as a truck driver. He loved being stationed at “The Rock'' in Kirch-Göns, Germany. While in Germany he became engaged to Yvonne. They were united in marriage in 1981 and created many wonderful family memories through their 10 years together. One of their memories being their move to Sioux Falls, SD after Jack graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology. In 1987 they excitedly welcomed their daughter, Linda, who now resides in Arizona. After returning to St. Paul, Jack was employed with Siegwerk as an in-house Ink Blender for American National Can, (later Alcan then Curwood/Bemis), in St Louis Park, MN, until they closed in 2012. People may have had the opportunity to enjoy conversations with Jack while he was employed with Airport Taxi Service before he retired in July of 2020.
Jack was a loyal friend and family member, offering help as needed, but not one that would always ask for help when needed. He had an amazing memory and could tell many stories about growing up in California, of things he found fun and interesting, including history, musicians (especially Elvis and the Beatles), presidents, and athletes (his favorite MN Twins, North Stars, and Muhammad Ali). His family and friends will recall his duty to and love of this country, his laugh, and love of his home state. No matter where he was in the world, Minnesota and particularly the West St. Paul area and lastly South St. Paul was home. He took in all it had to offer: fishing, ice skating, the local boxing scene, pro sports and family. Until we meet again...we will always remember his warm smile and him saying, “good deal” or goodbye “kiddo”.
A private service will be held at Kandt-Tetrick Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 140 8th Ave North, South St Paul, Private family Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required at all public gatherings.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers at the VA Hospital and Hospice for their exceptional compassion and respectful care they provided to John. Condolences may be expressed at www.kandt-tetrick.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in memory of John Braeker, Jr. to Free Urns for Veterans, PO Box 689, Anoka, MN 55303

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