John Nicholas Brekel, Jr.

I worked with John at Helena for many years. I've thought of him several times during the last few years, wishing I could look him up and visit with him. Tonight I was searching for his whereabouts online and found this page. I'm shocked and saddened that I missed getting to talk with him once again. John was a good friend at Helena. My wife, Cindi and I spent a little time with him away from work, especially at the little house in Silsbee. Once we went there to pick figs. Family, I'm sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in His arms. I wish had know about John's passing earlier--I would not have missed coming to the funeral home or funeral. I'll miss him.

I was blessed to work with John when I was at the Beaumont refinery. He was the hardest working man I have ever met. He was always willing to help, and did it with a smile. A man of God and a gentleman. He touched my life, and inspired me. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Vickie, it was my honor to be John's step mother. I love you both so much and was truly blessed. You are still my family and always will be. John never held a grudge against anyone in his life. He always said " I just want to be half the man Pop is". John, you were the man your father was! You just never realized it. I will be coming your way soon, Vickie. You have my heart.

Wednesday May 9, 2012
Dear Vickie,
Have been out of town and just found out this evening about John. I am shocked and saddened by your sudden loss. You and your family will be in my prayers for the Lord to comfort you as only He can.
Psalm 139:16 is one of the verses that I clung to when my husband passed away. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.” John’s death is a shock to all of us, but it was not a surprise to God since He knew before John was born how many days he would live. None of us can understand why some of the very best men, like John and my husband, are given such very short lives to live.
All believers can take comfort in I Thessalonians 4:13-18: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
With love in Christ,
Sheryl Muller

From all of us who worked with John at Helena Lab back in the day, He left a lasting fond memory on us all .He was a fine man and will be 'remembered' fondly, Connie Leone, Connie Broussard, Gail Iola, Kathy Havens, Ed Galloway, Lois Hebert,
Marsha Stephens,Linda Holland, Mary Stevens, Marie Wong, Dorothy DeCuer,Kathy Browning,Carole Garcie,and many others. Deepest condolences to the family.

John you will be missed. Everyone spoke the truth at your funeral, you were a great man. Semper Fidelis.

John, you were the friend everyone wished they could be. The person you could call at 2am in a driving rain storm and he would be there to help. There are not sufficient words to describe the void that has been left by your passing. My brother you will be truly missed. Ms. Vicki and the rest of the Brekel family, my heart felt prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Always remember John; Keys wallet, phone, badge.

Linda,
From all I have learned about your son John, I realize you have lost the rock that your family leaned on.How proud you must be to have raised such a compassionate,loving family man.

I empathize with you and can tell your heart is broken.I hope you can take comfort in knowing you and your family are being prayed for.
Heartfelt sympathy to you dear friend.
Carol Shilling

Prayers from my family to yours.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss!  May you always remember the good times you shared.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Tom & Vicki Stovall.