Betty Brocka

Betty Lou Brocka, 83, of Cedar Falls, went home to be with the Lord peacefully Thursday morning, December 22, 2022, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. She was born November 17, 1939, in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Ecko and Helen (Mason) Mennen Jr. She graduated from Hansell High School and Hamilton Business College. On May 1, 1959, she was united in marriage to Gaylen Brocka in Aredale, Iowa. She was employed as a secretary at Rath Packing Co. and also worked as a merchandiser for American Greetings for 45 years. Betty was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. She accepted him into her life on August 11, 1988, and was baptized on September 22, 1991. Betty enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, playing card games, traveling, and fishing. Betty is survived by her husband of Cedar Falls; daughter, Michelle (Greg) Thien of Tipton, IA; son, Mike (Faythe) Brocka of Denver, IA; five grandchildren: Nicole (J.J.) Floss, Eric (Audrey) Thien, Harrison (Taylor), Leo (Heidi), and Oskar Brocka; a great-grandson due in March 2023; and sister, Bev Jo (Trig) Gamble of Parker, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, maternal and paternal grandparents. Funeral services will 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, at Grace Fellowship Church in Waterloo. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Grace Fellowship Church and one hour prior to the service. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church or Gideons International. “I Am Free” Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I am following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with time of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one touched. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me. God wanted me now, he set me free.

Betty Brocka

November 17, 1939 - December 22, 2022