Howard W. Broecker

Howard W. Broecker, 67, of Bridgman, Michigan, formerly of Geneva, Illinois, died at home on November 2, 2007 surrounded by his beloved family. He was born May 16, 1940 in Chicago to Edith (Smith) Broecker and Wallace Broecker. Howard was educated in public schools in Oak Park and Wheaton, then North Central College and Chicago Kent College of Law. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1966. With a distinguished career of over 40 years as an attorney and mediator, he enjoyed a reputation as a caring lawyer whose primary concern was the welfare of his clients. After practicing Matrimonial Law for over 25 years, he gave up his career as a litigator and trained to become a mediator because he believed that the process of mediation better served the needs of his clients. He earnestly wanted to create harmony where there was hurt and disharmony. In August, 1961, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Candace Balfour with whom he had three children. He was devoted to her, his immediate and extended family as well as to a large circle of friends near and far. He was a gracious host and a friend to all. His deep faith was reflected in all aspects of his life and he was a valuable member of several wonderful church congregations during his life–most recently of the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. Howard and Candace loved to travel and Howard particularly loved Kenya in East Africa where he offered direct counsel to Daystar University on whose U.S. board he served for more than ten years and Mali in West Africa where he helped to build a school in 1992. He also served on other not for profit boards including Sunnyridge Children’s Home in Wheaton, Illinois. He began his legal practice with the Chicago law firm of Ehrlich, Bundesen, Friedman, and Ross where he later became a partner and established its Geneva office. At the time of his death, he was a partner in the firm of Johnson, Westra, Broecker, Whitaker, and Newitt in Carol Stream Illinois, specializing in dispute resolution. He wrote many articles and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Education and the Law Education Institute. Surviving him are his wife of 46 years, Candace, his children, Peter (Michelle Newitt), Christopher (Lisa Antonini) and Anne, two sisters, Judy (Jack Redekop) and Bonnie (Tom Chapin) and a brother, Wallace. He was preceded in death by his sister (Jeanne Anderson).