Mary "Dianne" Brokken-Beghtol Obituary (1944 - 2025)

Mary Dianne Brokken Beghtol, 80, of Fairfield, Iowa was called home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Jefferson County Health Center with her loving family by her side. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Pastor John Wilbur officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery immediately following. A visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Dianne's honor may be directed to the MegaVoice International or www.bibleleague.org. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Dianne was born August 3, 1944, in Canton, Illinois to Harold D. McLain and Dorothy R. Buckman McLain. She married Leo Brokken and from this union four sons were born, Christopher, Rodger, Allen and Joe. After Leo's passing in 2019 Dianne met and married John Beghtol. Dianne was a true servant at heart and her work life is a true testament to that. She was a Pastor at New Sweden United Methodist Church in Lockridge for 11 years, a Nurses Aide at Jefferson County Hospital for 15 years, a Homemaker-Vocational Trainer for 2 1/2 years at Tenco Workshop and a Pastor at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fairfield for 4 years. She served in every aspect of her church life; Sunday School Teacher in her teen years, Bible School Teacher, KING'S CLUB, Bible Study Leader, Lay Leader, Lay Speaker and Pastor. She was a charter member on the ARC of Jefferson County Board, served on Jefferson County Hospice for 10 years and as Hospice Education Facilitator for 7 years. Dianne was also a cake decorator, doll maker and a quilter but living a life of service to God was her greatest joy! She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Leo, son, Rodger Brokken, one sister, Karen Geysbeek, and three brothers, John, Ronald and David McLain. Left to honor her is her husband John, children Christopher (Chris) Brokken, Allen Paul (Janet) Brokken, and Joe Brokken, stepchildren J.D. (Robin) Beghtol, Jim (Michelle) Beghtol, Cinnamon (Jimmy) Crenshaw, Tasha Beghtol (Dennis Boecker) and Beth (Kenneth) Shroeder, four grandchildren, Lauren (Mitchell) Ratcliff, Aiden Brokken, and Ethan (Reace) Brokken, eleven step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren, siblings Judith Mayer, Martha (Bob) Henderson and Becky (Jim) Schwarz, as well as many extended family and many friends. "Do not mourn for me for I have experienced the love of God, the love of two good husbands, and my children and friends have made my life all rewarding. I am rich indeed!"