Hod Braskamp

Howard “Hod” Braskamp, age 76, of rural Wentworth passed away on November 25th at his home. He was with family as he made his peaceful journey to his heavenly home.

Hod’s family invites you to celebrate his life with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am on Monday, December 2nd at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison with Father DeWayne Kayser officiating. Visitation will be 5-7pm on Sunday, December 1st at Weiland Funeral Chapel with a prayer service at 7pm. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30-10:15 AM at Weiland Funeral Chapel followed by process to the church for mass followed by burial in Graceland Cemetery.

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. They were blessed with two children, Corey and Sara.

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. A couple years later their neighbor was looking to retire from farming and offered Hod his land to lease. He rented the land and machinery and started farming. He farmed for the next 40 years, loving every moment.

Hod was an avid hunter and really enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hunting. Apparently, it was as contest or status symbol to see who had the most jackrabbits hanging from the windmill or barn. 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, especially a good bay! Growing up with horses he was introduced to rodeos and quarter horses in the 1950’s by the Cowan family in Highmore. He started to enter rodeo events starting in high school 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 loved to work with a young horse and help others learn about rope horses and roping. Hod and Diane spent many summers at rodeos proudly watching their children, Corey and Sara, compete. He spent many years hauling cattle to jackpot ropings and horse shows across SD and numerous people got their start in his arena at is home. He really enjoyed working with young kids and helping them get started with horses and rodeo events, evident by the number of steers he hazed for young steer wrestlers. 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. These years were filled with many great memories!

Family dear to Hod includes his wife Diane; son Corey Braskamp (Brooke), grandchildren–Brayden, Tyan, Livya, and Layn of Wentworth; daughter Sara Braskamp of Huron, and granddaughter–Sidney Braskamp of Sheridan, WY; brothers, Bill Braskamp (Sharon) of Tuscon, AZ and Rick Braskamp (Marilyn) of Ramona, SD; mother– in–law, Magdalen “Matt” Siemonsma; brother–in–law, Mike Siemonsma (Emily); sister–in–law, Dorothy Hass (Loren); brother–in–law, Mark Siemonsma (Judy); brother–in–law, Dan Siemonsma (Sharon) and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.