Gary “Gene” Braaksma, 76, of New Sharon and formerly of Lynnville, died Monday, June 15, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 19, at Woodland Cemetery in Lynnville. Memorials to ABATE of Iowa can be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.
Gene, the son of Robert and Harriett “Jeannett” (Williams) Braaksma, was born June 26, 1949, in Oskaloosa. He grew up in Lynnville and graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in 1967. He worked for Miracle Recreation in Grinnell for 20 years, then drove truck for 30 years. After he retired, he was a campground maintenance worker at Red Rock, living at the campgrounds throughout the camping season. Gene was a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), advocating for motorcyclists across the nation. He was also an active member of ABATE, where he taught driver’s ed students across Iowa about safe driving around motorcycles. He also transported a motorcycle trainer/simulator to many different events. Gene loved camping and fishing. He was an independent, free spirit, taking several road trips across Iowa on a whim.
Gene is survived by his children Todd (Toni) Braaksma of Ottumwa and Christine (Jason) Forret of Indianola; his grandchildren Josh, Serena, Kat, Kyle, and Emma; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers Ron Braaksma of Monroe and Curtis (Jann) Braaksma of Lynnville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson-in-law Kevin Wick; his great-granddaughter Ashlin Knuth; and several aunts and uncles.
