Earl William Bracken

On Friday, July 23, 1943, Earl Bracken was born in Topeka, KS, to Clyde and Alyce Bracken. Earl was their firstborn and was the light of their life. Alyce fondly referred to him as 'babe,' and to him, she was 'muz.' The bond he had with his parents and especially with his mom would be Earl's guide in the decades to come. Earl was a storyteller and shared his memories as if he was reading the book of his life. He captivated his audiences with detailed recollections of childhood memories that made you feel like you were there. Earl's younger brother Steve and their cousins Keith, Larry, and Mary Sue were often the main characters in Earl's exciting childhood stories. The family was close, and Earl found much joy in a lifetime of reminiscing his many fond memories of working alongside his dad at the family gas station and helping his mom at their restaurant. The Bracken family was involved in the community, and Earl grew up proud of his parent's own many accomplishments.

Earl had his own successes as well. He attended schools in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High School, class of '61. He was involved in the marching band and played the bass. He went on to attend Washburn University and joined the Army National Guard. Earl's upbringing taught him a life of being there to help others. He dedicated himself and was honored to receive great praise from his superiors. Over the years, Earl served as a military police officer, an EMT, and was consistently promoted in the Army National Guard. He ended his service in 1987 as Captain Bracken. His professional career was successful with time spent in sales and accounting. Later, he would retire from the VA, where he found great joy and fulfillment in supporting veterans.

Life for Earl was what he made it, and he truly enjoyed himself. It was in 1977, though, that his real dream came true. Earl became a father. His first daughter, Shayla, was born, and Sarah 4 years later. In his words, he "had everything I wanted, two beautiful girls ." You could not know Earl without knowing how much he adored his girls and loved being a dad. His true identity was formed in the years spent as a room parent, a host to countless social activities, the dad that never said no to any wanted pet, being front row at ballet performances, cheering at swim meets, teaching the girls to drive, picking out prom dresses, fixing cars, but mostly being their number 1 fan. Earl's love defined "unconditional love." He welcomed failures so that he could catch your fall and be there to pick you up. His way of teaching was to share his own trials and tribulations. Earl lived a lot of life and could sort through a library of memories at any given moment, and somehow he always had that perfect one that could relate to exactly what you had going on.

Being a dad, a friend, an ear to listen and shoulder to cry on, and overall giver was what he knew best. So it was in 1999 that life once again blessed Earl and gave him the gift of a grandson. Earl now had a new name to add to his list of honorable titles, Papa. Parker was born, and life for Earl became a child's dream Christmas morning at every moment he spent with his new grandson. Four years later, Earl's heart grew when Ella was born. He counted down the days and minutes for his weekends in Kansas City to visit his favorite people and was elated at the family's return to Topeka soon after the newest grandson Preston was born. Earl never imagined his life would be so rich, and it was only getting better. Jager joined Earl's crew of grandkids in 2013, and it was Claire that finished the last piece of the puzzle. Earl's life purpose over the last two decades was to be involved in his grandchildren's lives in any and every way he could. He never turned down a chance to go look for trains or watch a gymnastic routine for the ten hundredth time. He would build legos hours and be involved in many made-up games. He'd listen to the life of a teenager and offer solid words of wisdom and always add in a level of humor. Earl looked forward to the kid's sports and any event at their school. Conversations about history, current affairs, and deep topics were also shared. Their accomplishments were all great. To Earl, nothing was small. The bonds he shared with each grandchild were indeed one of a kind.

This was Earl. One of a kind is who he was. When he wasn't with family, he was with friends. His social life had always been an integral part of who he was. He had a routine way about him when it came to his social life. Earl cherished his friendships and never knew a stranger. He loved and looked for opportunities to help others. His afternoons at Speck's were enjoyed in his dedicated corner chair. His ornery antics and pranks were frequent but always forgiven. Friday nights were reserved for Farkle games and his favorite ladies. Earl was the friend everyone wanted as he made you feel like you were the only person in a crowded room. He seemed invincible, and in his presence, he made you feel like you were indestructible. His wit and wisdom would carry you through. And then, just like that, he'd be gone. Earl would up and leave. He wasn't one to make a deal out of saying goodbye - he always left you wondering.
On February 18, 2022, Earl left his earthly body, leaving us all to create our own stories of what he may be up to now.

Survivors include daughters Shayla Hurtig (Rob), Sarah Dunekack (Will), grandchildren Parker Hurtig, Ella Hurtig, Preston Hurtig, Claire Hurtig, Jager Dunekack, Lindsay Dunekack (Nick Hodges), Zoe Dunekack, Ava Dunekack, nieces Stephanie Bookman, Samantha Bracken, and countless friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother.

An informal celebration of Earl's life will occur on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. at The Dillon House located at 404 SW 9th St, Topeka, KS 66612. All are welcome to join in sharing memories of Earl with the family and enjoy light refreshments.

A tribute to Earl will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. at Specks Bar and Grill located at 2105 SW Mission Ave, Topeka, KS.

In lieu of flowers, Earl's daughters ask that memorial contributions be made to a dear friend of Earl's in need of support through a challenging time. Please send memorial contributions to:

Sarah Dunekack
c/o Laura Elson Medical Fund
8 Peppertree Lane
Topeka, KS 66611

" Whoever you hold in the heart of you is forever and always a part of you." - Rossiter Raymond, Geologist.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

To share your memories of Earl or to leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.