Obituaries
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, John William Bracken, of Milledgeville, IL, passed away, surrounded by his family, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.
A Masonic Service for John will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. There will be a visitation preceding the service, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Memorials have been established for the Milledgeville-Coleta Fire District and the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
John was born November 26, 1940, to Paul and Clara (Sharer) Bracken of Milledgeville, IL. He was a 1958 graduate of Milledgeville High School, and from there he went to Bailey Tech in St. Louis, MO to earn a degree in diesel mechanics. The same year he began work at Ewers Garage where he would remain until his retirement in 2020. He joined the U.S. Army in 1962, and served as a helicopter mechanic and crew leader in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965. On July 3, 1964 John married his beloved Diane while training in Fort Rucker, AL. When John completed his service in 1966, he and Diane returned to Milledgeville where they would raise their two children, Alan and Elizabeth. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 533 in Milledgeville. John also dedicated years of service to the local Boy Scout troop, Carroll County Fair, Milledgeville Village board, Milledgeville Credit Union and countless other causes.
He started his Masonic affiliation in 1965, when he was raised to the Third Degree at the Daleville, AL Lodge. Once back to Milledgeville, he transferred his membership and followed the line to Master in 1974. He continued as Master two more times and served a secretary for 15 years. He joined the Valley of Freeport Scottish Rite in 1974 with his father. John was encouraged to participate in degree work there and performed in many degrees for 40 years. He served in the Lodge of Perfection and later as Commander in Chief of the Valley. He received the Honorary 33ï‚° in 1994. He was a member of the Tebala Shrine, again involved on stage in the Ritualistic Divan. He served as both a District and Area Representative for the Grand Lodge of Illinois, as well as involvement in several other honorary Masonic organizations.
Outside his professional and community works, John tended a garden for many years, canning each harvest with skills passed down from his mother. He mastered woodworking, remodeling his home and artfully furnishing it from wood hewn on his homemade sawmill. He and Diane traveled the U.S. and the world, seeing unforgettable sights, meeting and making lifelong friends.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane, his children, Alan and Elizabeth, and his grandchildren, Gabrielle and Will Betzer. He is also survived by his brother, David and many much- loved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Clara Bracken, and a brother, Steven.
John leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication and unwavering love which will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his nicknames, sly humor, and storytelling.
To plant a tree in memory of John William Bracken, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
10
Aug
404 Lincolnway East
Morrison, IL 61270
Service
10
Aug
404 Lincolnway East
Morrison, IL 61270
Cemetery Details
Location
East High Street
Morrison, IL 61270