Obituary - Donald O. Brockman
Friday, January 23, 2004
Donald O. Brockman, age 77, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, due to an automobile accident. He was born May 20, 1926, in Appleton, Wis., the son of the late Elmer and Vi (Rohm) Brockman. In November of 1961 he was united in marriage to Betty Hilgendorf. Brockman was a 1945 graduate of Appleton High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He was named MVP and All Conference center and set a track record.
Brockman was a well-respected horseman across the country. He started his career at Meadowood Farms, then worked at many stables, until establishing the successful Brockman Stables in Neenah, Wis., and most recently trained at Glen Valley Stables, Oshkosh, Wis. He trained some of the country’s best-known Saddlebred horses, as well as educated numerous accomplished equitation and amateur riders. Brockman was greatly admired for the development and training of Sultan Santana, a World’s Champion Stallion.
He was a founding member of the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA), serving as secretary for 10 years and was inducted into the UPHA’s Hall of Fame in January 1996. He also, served on the Board of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Futurities. Brockman was named Horseman of the Year for the UPHA and ASAW. He was a highly respected judge of horse shows throughout the country.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his sons Timothy (Susan) Brockman, Arlington, Va., Walter (Patty) Brockman, Antigo, Wis., Donald (Angie) Brockman, Sangor, Texas, Thomas (Maureen) Meyer, Madison, Wis., and Timothy (Phyllis) Meyer, Spokane, Wash.; also, his daughter-in-law, Kathy Brockman, New Glarus, Wisc. He was a beloved grandfather to Gabriel and Kate Brockman, Aerianne and Gavin Brockman, Marissa and Terra Brockman, Kaila and Ben Meyer, Megan and Nathan Meyer; his sisters, Myrtle (Robert) Otis, Appleton, Wis.; Joanne Blume, Appleton and one brother, Jay (Ruth) Brockman, Washington City, Utah; also, numerous nieces and nephews.
Brockman will always be remembered not only for his outstanding horsemanship and professionalism, but also for his dedication to his wife, family, career and clients; and for the integrity with which he lived his life.
Friends may call at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1511 Nicolet Blvd., Neenah Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, from 2 to 4 p.m. The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. at the church, with the Reverend Arthur H. Wille officiating. The burial will be at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to The American Saddlebred Museum, 4093 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.
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