Susan Mary Brokaw

Susan was born in Saint Paul Minnesota on June 4, 1935. Susan passed away on Jun 15th 2025 at the age of 90.

We start Susan’s story with her heritage which was so important to her. Bourgon Broucard, first generation American in her family linage was born in France and a member of the Huguenot Protestantism party. In 1675 the family immigrated to America in search of religious freedom. The family arrived at Rikers Island and settled in what is now known as Brooklyn New York. Later generations spread thru out the United States and around 1702 changed the name from Broucard to Brokaw.

Pronunciation Written by Harry Brokaw

When you speak my name

It is best to know

How to spell it out

With a big round O

For my B-R-O is the Bro

That rhymes with go,

And that big O

Is like the O in snow.

My K-A-W is the kaw

Of the old crow,

That musical sound

That most folks know

Let me tell you straight

Tis against the law

To mispronounce

The name Brokaw.

Susan’s values were rooted in her heritage… Faith and Family.

Susan was the youngest of five children born to Clifford and Ruth Brokaw (Engelbretson).

Susan was named for her mother’s mom, Susan Lappin (Engelbretson).

Susan had three sisters and one brother all preceded in death.

Marion Brokaw (Gray)

Ruth Brokaw (Koenig)

Helen Brokaw (DeGree)

William Brokaw

Susan was married to Ronald Sturm and they had three children. After divorcing Ronald, Susan married Perry Clarke. Perry’s son Brian soon became part of the new family and Sue considered Brian as a son.

Susan’s Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren in order of birth:

Gary Dean Sturm: Son

Sharon Sturm: Gary’s Spouse

Ryan Sturm: Grandson

Titus: Great Grandson

Amy Sturm: Grand daughter

Tucker Sturm: Grandson

Tucker’s partner: Liz

Todd (predeceased) and Nate Koehne: Stepsons Grandsons

Kathy Chomout: daughter

Frank Chomout: Kathy’s Spouse

Lenore Mensik: Grand Stepchild

Kris Chomout: Grand Stepchild

Ken Sturm

Julia Voyles: Grand Daughter

Brad Voyles: Julia’spouse

Magdalene Voyles: Great Grand daughter

Alison Haney: Grand daughter

Pat Haney: Allison’ spouse

Holt,Callaghan,Robert: Great Grandchildren

Brian Clarke: Step son

Abby Brown: Step Grand daughter

Hanna Nolan: Step Grand daughter

Mary-Brian Clarke (predeceased): Step Grand daughter

Jack Clarke: Step Grandson

Susan Brokaw lived in St Paul Minnesota as a young child. Later the family relocated to Denver Colorado. To help Susan accept her new home Clifford and Ruth Brokaw gave their youngest child English Style riding lessons. Clifford Brokaw played the clarinet and joined an orchestra that played in City Park during the summer months. A young man Ronald Sturm also was a member of the orchestra. Susan and Ronald met at the park.

Susan worked as a volunteer at the Porter hospital in Denver. Later Susan volunteered at a day facility for MS patients. After finding out her daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy, as was her nature she started volunteering with the Epilepsy Foundation of America. Later she was asked to join the National Board and eventually went to work for the Epilepsy Foundation in Washington DC where she was promoted to Regional Manager. Later she took a position with the EFA in Houston, TX where she met Perry Clarke. After they were married, Sue joined Perry in his Insurance Agency.

Susan and Perry moved to the country where they bought a farm in Ruttersville, just outside of La Grange and later moved to Chappel Hill. Perry and Sue retired to Missouri where later they were divorced. Susan started working for an event company using her organization, management skills to run seminars and events. Susan retired from event planning and built a dog sitting business. Susan had no pets of her own so she loved on her client’s pets. Her business grew so big that she enlisted some friends to help.

Susan moved to Sun City Arizona to be closer to family. While in Sun City, Ron a friend decided Susan needed a bike and introduced her to an adult Tricycle. Susan bought a second hand adult tricycle which was her first bike! Susan enjoyed her bike rides and started riding 6 miles every evening. Susan rode her bike to a bible study and announced to the group she cycled there on her bike. All came out to admire her wheels only to discover it was a bicycle not a motor cycle. Being an organizer Susan took over the Singles group in Sun City West. Reorganizing and adding events and recruiting new members and volunteers. When Susan decided to move back to Texas to be close to her daughter the Sun City Organized a parade to say good bye.

Susan settled into her little garden home in Coles Crossing in Cypress Texas. As was her nature she decided the neighbors did not socialize and she set out to change her neighbors. Susan put together a block list and then organized a block party. Susan enlisted participation and volunteers to help her with her party. I think her neighbors would agree Susan forever has changed their little neighborhood. Sue and her daughter Kathy rescued a little dog from a lumber yard and the little guy stole her heart and she named him Peanut. Even the last week of her life Susan still asked about Peanut.

A precious one from us has gone,

A voiced we loved is stilled;

A place in vacant in our home

Which never can be filled.

God in his wisdom has recalled

The boon his love has given,

And though the body slumbers here

The soul is safe in heaven

This is from Mary Brokaw obituary died June 1, 1903 (her favorite grandmother)

Donations can be made to honor Susan Brokaw to:

Nantz National Alzheimer Center /Houstonmethodist.org

Freedomstreetrescue.org This organization found a good home for Peanut when Susan could no longer care for him.