Rev. Daniel A Brockhoff

Daniel Brockhoff was born March 22, 1930 in Chicago to John Dietrich Brockhoff and Frieda [Wendt] Brockhoff. Though born during the great depression he lived in the great joy of caring for others in Lutheran ministry with his wife Lois. After his ordination, the ministry called them to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, IN. While in Indianapolis, their children Mark, Rebecca, and Michael were born. After twelve years at Our Redeemer Daniel and Lois went on to care for the congregation at Grace Lutheran Church in Broomall PA, and, finally, to Christ the King Lutheran Church in Largo, FL, where they served for 28 years until his retirement in 1995. While in Florida, their children Beth [Elliott] and Matthew were born. Daniel and Lois were also blessed with 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Aaron, Jessica, Ben, Zachary, Alex, Samuel, Kevin, Katharine, Amy, and John; and, 6 great-grandchildren Henry, Jane, Ella, Aria, Lilian, and Miles.

Pastor Brockhoff would often remind people of how wondrous and unexpected life’s journey is for us all. His parents were church sextons for 30 years, he could still recount stories of a less than enthusiastic welcome by immigration officers when his grandparents came to the country, and he recalled times when he and his older brother Harold were sent to the store during the great depression with the last money left in the house – then had to go home to tell their mom they had lost it. At 13 he became a student at Concordia Prep/High School, Fort Wayne where, over 5 years, he had jobs picking up paper in the Chicago Parks, working in a cemetery, and as messenger to the ‘pits’ of the Chicago Board of Trade. He was in the choir and was named ‘Best Captain’ in Jr. ROTC. Best of all, it was also at Concordia that he met Lois, his future wife. He attended Concordia Seminary and, after graduation, Daniel and Lois were married in Fort Wayne, IN July 10, 1954. Although initially told that their first ministry would be in Japan, they ended up instead in Indiana. During the decades that followed he helped launch a program for inner city youth, had some sermons published, and enjoyed the adventures and trials familiar to any family. He maintained he could have never have foreseen a way all 5 children would be able to afford college and it remained a mystery how it all worked out when they did. Most importantly, his life was filled with faith and wonderful people.

When once asked by a child, “Pastor, who is your Pastor?” Rev. Daniel Brockhoff replied, “You are, and the people in the congregation.” Pastor Brockhoff and Lois remain blessed by their faith, the ministry, and all those who ministered to them along the way.

Service Information:

A private burial was held Friday, August 26, 2022.

A public memorial service will be held Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 2 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 455 Missouri Ave N., Largo, FL.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to support Ruth’s Promise program at Prince of Peace (https://poplargo.org) and the First Lutheran Arts Series (https://www.flcsf.org/lankfordarts)