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The life of Hank Brooker of North Branch will be commemorated with a special service next week at a North Branch church. Henry F. Brooker died in his sleep February 15. He was 85.

Brooker was a retired postmaster who was involved for decades in any number of civic and social efforts in North Branch. He was a longtime North Branch School Board director, and he served on the Water & Light Commission, only submitting his retirement notice a few months ago.

He was a 60-year member of the Legion Post and was Fire Chief.

His stature and gentlemanly ways bespoke his intellect and strength of character. He was always a welcome sight at meetings, ribbon-cuttings, arriving for the Primary School annual Veterans’ Day program, or just around town.

The school district’s area learning center is named for him. In March 1998 when the Brooker Building was dedicated in his honor he declared every student deserves to learn and succeed. He added he had learned during his years of successes in public life “You don’t accomplish anything without teamwork.”

The service is Friday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in North Branch.

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