Norman Keith Brackenbury

Norman Keith Brackenbury, born June 7th, 1939, in Oakland, California, passed away in his Wamego home on Saturday, June 21, 2025. He passed gently surrounded by his 8 children, 39 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

In the words of his children, “Norman was a man who truly lived”! He grew up in California, attended college in Connecticut for forestry and later ranched in Wyoming.

He met his wife Patricia of 53 years and settled in rural Fort Collins, Colorado; she preceded him in death on October 28, 2020. He was a firefighter, EMT, and Dive Rescue for the Poudre Fire Authority, retiring after 22 years of service.

He chose the Wamego, Kansas area to finish out his golden years and his children eventually migrated to join him there as well. He loved his family so much. He found joy and contentment in his grandchildren and ranching.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Monday, June 30 at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys; a rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. A Requiem Mass will be offered for Norman at Piper Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1 with burial following in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, St. Marys.

Memorial contributions in Norman’s memory may be made to the International Association of Firefighters Foundation and can be made online here or left in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.