04/28/2026
Please keep Sonia, Andrew, and their family in your prayers. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 2nd at the Milan American Legion from 3-7 PM, with a brief service at 4 PM.
Kristi Jean Marie Brokaw was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 9, 1987. She died on April 19, 2026, in Springfield, Oregon at the age of 39.
After completing primary school, Kristi went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree.
Kristi enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served her country with honor, rising to the rank of Sargeant. She received these Honors and awards: Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Iraq) Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Metal, Meritorious Mast (2), Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award) (2), Rifle Marksman Badge. After her honorable discharge in 2010, she became a mental health advocate for veterans. She was a Diesel Mechanic in the Marines, worked in the Oil Fields in Texas and then became a Maintenance Planner in the Paper Mill industry.
Kristi loved camping and exploring nature, having a special place in her heart for beaches. She also had a passion for tattoos and all kinds of food. She was beginning to learn how to play the banjo & guitar. She loved her family, friends and all of her fellow veterans who were like an extended family.
Kristi is survived by her parents, Sonia (Andrew), M. Hochstetler and Anthony (Deanna), G. Brokaw, sister Regina Rene Hochstetler, brother Anthony Tanner-Chase Brokaw, stepbrother Damien Campbell and grandparents Charles & Beverly Brokaw & David A. Young & Marie Driskell, her cousins and her Special friend Ashley Leyva and her 3 children.
Her mother is planning a celebration of life on Saturday, May 2, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a service at 4:00 PM, at the American Legion Hall, 515 1st Ave. West, Milan Illinois.
Her father will be having another service at the Phoenix National Cemetery, (date & time, yet to be determined) 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024