Norman Brockhoff, of rural Fairview, surrounded by his family, left his earthly life for heavenly life Monday evening, November 11, 2019.  He was 84.

Norman went to school in Old Fairview, northeast of Fairview, KS.  It sat right where his current house sits today.  He went to Fairview to school when he started high school and graduated from there in 1953.

He and his family farmed and raised cattle, which led to starting the Brockhoff Feed Yards.  They fed cattle for other people and designed their own feed bunks.  Norm traveled around selling the design for the bunks.  Norm loved working at the feed yards, as well as the cattle.  They bought their own trucks to haul their cattle and then started hauling other peoples’ cattle to market and new livestock home.  They then decided to buy the Fairview Elevator in Fairview from Pete Pallesen.  He oversaw the elevator until they eventually sold it.  He then started the Harmony Hog Farm which still exists east of Fairview on the highway.

After he sold the hog farm he went to work at Sac and Fox Casino as a cook.  He also worked as a Deputy for Brown and Nemaha counties.  He also worked as a cook at The Cozy and the drive in on 36 Highway.  He then bought the drive in and renamed it Grandpa’s Kitchen where he and his family cooked and served food.

He did construction, building the hog houses, remodeling and repairing homes.  He did woodworking and at one time, owned a saw mill.  He and his son David made wood products and sold them around the area as Windy Hill Wood Products.  During this time, he also started gardening and loved it.  For the last several years he sold his products on the highway in Fairview.  He later had the opportunity to work for the Walnut Township District maintaining roads and loved this job.  This is what he was doing when he was diagnosed with cancer, but never let it slow him down.  He was also hands on with something, looking for something to do, as he was not one to sit and twiddle his thumbs.  He also loved hunting and fishing when time allowed for it.

One year Norm even decided that the pheasant and chucker population was low, so he bought chicks from Salina and raised them until full grown.  He then released them to repopulate the area.  He later continued fixing breakfast at the Cozy on Saturday mornings.  

After he learned to cook he was always into making the best food he could.
When he found out about his diagnosis, he said “I’ve had a good life and have made many friends.”

Norman Lewis Brockhoff was born October 15, 1935, one of three children born to Luther and Irma Gildhouse Brockhoff.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Bloom, September 8, 1957 at the First Baptist Church in Fairview, to which they bore three children:  Charles, Teresa, and David.
Norman was a lifelong and faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Old Fairview.

Norm is survived by his wife Nancy, his sons Charlie (Nellie), David and friend Angie Higley, all of Fairview; 5 grandchildren and spouses, and 6 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is his sister Joyce Brockhoff of rural Fairview, sister in law Diane Brockhoff, also of rural Fairview, and cousin Hazel Steely of Hiawatha.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Teresa Brockhoff Althouse, and brother Larry.

A Celebration of Norm’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, November 16, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Reverend Michael Dunaway will officiate.  Inurnment will be at Old Fairview Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Nemaha County Home Health & Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church of Old Fairview, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com