THE WALL OF FACES

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 3330. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on December 2, 1966.

Thank you for your service to our great nation, my brother.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Fred.

Fred is buried at Resurrection Cemetery in St Peter, Minn.

Fredrick Joseph Brenke
Marine Corps Private First Class

Born: July 26, 1948
Died: June 27, 1967

Fredrick Joseph Brenke, age 19, and a member of the 26th Marines, was killed in battle at Khe Sanh, Vietnam on June 27, 1967. He was the son of Howard and Stella Brenke of St. Peter, Minnesota, and the brother of Earl, Roger, Barbara and Judy; the second of five children in the family. Some of the memories of Fred are that he loved to watch TV, even into the early morning hours. His sisters distinctly remember him lying on an orange rug right smack in front of the only TV, and spending all Saturday afternoon there watching old movies, especially those pertaining to Hercules, knights, etc. Fred enjoyed hunting, whether for squirrel or deer, roller skating at the local rink in Le Sueur, and just cruising through town in his '59 Ford Galaxie. Fred's car was his pride and joy and he kept it immaculate, sometimes paying his sisters 50 cents to a dollar to wax and polish it; and of course they could never do it as good as he would have. He was active in Scouts, and enjoyed time spent at Camp Norseland, the local Scout camp. Fred loved to cook-something he learned while Scouting, and also while working at Gannon's Restaurant in St. Peter. He cooked and baked at home as well, sometimes concocting strange items such as green cakes. Fred liked to add to a recipe just to see what he could create. He enjoyed spending time at his aunt's and uncle's farm-something he and his brothers did most every summer when they were young. He is remembered by his brother as the one to always "steal" the only bicycle that was to be shared between five children. He was a very fun-loving person and is greatly missed by his family and friends.

The family of Frederick Brenke

From "The Faces Behind the Names," by Don Ward

Semper Fidelis, Marine!