Joel William Brekke, age 56 of Fargo, N.D., passed away on Aug. 2, 2026.
A Celebration of Life was held on Mon., Aug. 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Visitation preceded the service at 9:00 a.m. Burial with military honors took place at noon at Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, N.D.
Joel was born on July 1, 1970 in Watertown, S.D. to Bruce and Peggy Brekke of Clark. He graduated from Clark High School in 1989, then entered the National Guard. Upon his return from military basic training, he furthered his education at Southwestern Technical School in Canby, Minn., where he received a welding certificate. Joel then returned to study agriculture business and technology through 1991.
On June 12, 1993, Joel married Wendy McFerran, and they made their home in Fargo, N.D., where he worked for Harvest States Elevator. He soon took employment with Praxair and served as a territorial manager for 21 years.
Joel served his country for over a year in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-05, serving under harsh conditions in the 2nd Bn 147th FA as a communications sergeant. He spent many of his military years with his father Bruce and brother Ryan and found the family bond supportive. He retired from the service after 23-plus years.
At the time of his death, Joel worked for the Fargo, N.D. Veterans Administration as a warehouse employee, responsible for incoming product and distribution. He enjoyed his work at the VA, where he met many veterans, whom he respected greatly. If Joel observed veterans wearing a military logo cap in public, he was quick to acknowledge them with a handshake, thanking them for their service and spending a moment in conversation.
Joel always knew what he wanted. He loved baseball, and as a young boy starting in his hometown program, he was asked by the coach what position he wanted to play. He quickly answered, "I want to be the batter!" He was a better-than-average batter and always high in the batting order. His real struggle in batting once came during the S.D. State Teener Tournament, when he faced a girl pitcher.
He was a member of the S.D. State B Junior Legion baseball team who came out number one. Joel also served as a bat boy for the Clark Amateur baseball team for two years, gaining lots of experience. That experience led him to help coach sons Hunter and Mason in baseball and basketball.
Joel was always a hardworking young man, his father's right hand. When graduation from high school drew close, many locals wondered what his dad would do without him. Joel was capable of doing all types of farm work or livestock care. He was a 4-H member until he graduated. He prepared and showed sheep, pigs and cattle, always selected for the showmanship competition.
Joel was independent. When it was time to leave for Southwestern Tech in Canby after returning from basic training, he loaded his car and prepared to leave. His parents assumed they would accompany him, but he looked at them and said, firmly, that he knew the way.
Joel is survived by his sons, Hunter (Karli) of Fargo, N.D. and Mason of Tacoma, Wash.; his granddaughter, Sylvia, age 15 months; his parents, Bruce and Peggy Brekke of Clark; his brothers, Ryan (Mandy) Brekke of Sioux Falls and Scott (Erin) Brekke of Sloan, Iowa; his sister, Heather (John) Zajac of Chandler, Ariz.; his former wife, Wendy Brekke of Fargo, N.D. and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Sara Heig and Jim and Lavonne Brekke and an uncle, Ron Rathe.
Joel was known for his many loves in life. He dearly loved his two sons and was especially fond of his nieces and nephews, often bragging about their accomplishments. He loved children; there are many pictures of him in Iraq, surrounded by Iraqi children. He loved hunting and fishing and just about anything outdoors.
In these past years, Joel loved listening to music that spoke to his soul and touched his emotions. Sometimes, he played it a little too loud!
Arrangements entrusted into the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center.
