Howard “Hod” Braskamp, age 76, of rural Wentworth passed away on November 25, 2019 at his home.
Howard Hoven Braskamp II was born February 12, 1943 to Dr. Howard H. and Leona (Hein) Braskamp in Madison, SD. Hod grew up in Madison and attended the General Beadle Campus School graduating in 1961. Following graduation, he attended South Dakota State College and General Beadle State College. While attending General Beadle, he met the love of his life, Diane Siemonsma, and they were united in marriage November 30, 1968. Following his time at General Beadle, Hod worked at the John Morrel in Madison. Upon the closing of the plant, he worked for Morman Feed company for a few years as salesman. In 1970, Hod and Diane bought an acreage between Madison and Wentworth. He rented some land and machinery and started farming for the next 40 years, loving every moment. Hod was an avid hunter and really enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hunting. He was an avid waterfowl hunter, enjoyed hunting deer throughout the state, and really enjoyed working with a good hunting dog enjoying this time with family and many friends. Hod also had a great love for horses and competed in steer wrestling, calf roping, and later in team roping and senior men’s breakaway. He continued to team rope and ride until recently. He had an exceptional eye for a good horse and over the years made many good horse deals. Hod and Diane spent many wonderful winter months over a span of 15 years in Wickenburg, AZ where they spent their days riding horses and team roping. They soon had many friends that became close family from across the US and Canada.
Family dear to Hod includes his wife: Diane; son: Corey Braskamp (Brooke) of Wentworth; his daughter: Sara Braskamp of Huron, five grandchildren: Brayden, Tyan, Livya, Layn and Sidney Braskamp; two brothers: Bill Braskamp (Sharon) of Tuscon, AZ and Rick Braskamp (Marilyn) of Ramona, SD; his mother- in-law: Magdalen “Matt” Siemonsma; and numerous other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard (1981) & Leona (1985) and father-in-law, Harold Siemonsma.
Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, December 2nd at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison followed by burial in Graceland Cemetery, Madison.
