Justin Brockel age 49, of Laurel, formerly of Forsyth

Justin Leonard Brockel

On the morning of April 10, 2024, Justin passed away peacefully in the comfort and company of his twin brother, Jeremy, at his home in Laurel after a long hard fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Justin was 49 years old.

Justin Brockel was born in Miles City, Montana on February 11, 1975, two minutes after his twin brother Jeremy, to his mother Denise and father Curt.
Justin was raised, always alongside his twin, in Forsyth, Montana. From an early age, Justin was introduced to nature and the outdoors, with his parents planning many family camping trips and group river floats. He got his green thumb at an early age, playing in and helping to harvest from the big family garden each summer. Jeremy was always at his side.

A few years later, younger brother Damien was born unto Denise and Curt. Just a couple years later, youngest brother Cameron was born. The “Brockel boys,” as everyone knew them growing up became very close in early years and this continued through adulthood. Damien and Cameron eventually dressed like twins, wearing the hand-me-downs from Justin and Jeremy. Later in life, the hand-me-downs went the other way when the younger brothers got a little bigger.

Justin spent younger years in Cub Scouts, riding bikes, playing baseball, basketball, football, and riding dirt bikes with Jeremy and friends. In his high school years, his interests turned to cars and he and Jeremy bought a ’67 Camaro (similar to what his dad had in his younger years). Justin and Jeremy would argue over who got to drive the Camaro on certain days, although most often they were always seen together.

A strong work ethic was instilled at an early age and Justin began working as a cook at the Rail’s Inn Motel restaurant in Forsyth at age 15. His love of cooking took off at this young age and blossomed into a long career cooking and managing restaurant kitchens.

Upon graduating high school in Forsyth in 1993, Justin (and Jeremy) moved to Billings to begin working many years at Applebee’s (some later coined as “Brockelbee’s” when 3 of the Brockel boys worked there together for a number of years). Justin later worked at Famous Dave’s Restaurant, managing the kitchen there when they first opened. Justin worked at Albertson’s grocery stores where he made many close friends and  relationships. He had spent his last years working as dairy manager and continued to work until he no longer could.

Justin and Jeremy would plan camping, hiking, or fishing trips on days off. Some trips would involve large groups of friends, parents, younger brothers. Other times, just a quick drive “up north” or on a dirt road up to the mountains.

On June 28, 1999 Justin and long-time love Gail Pederson proudly welcomed a son, Alex Brockel, into the world. Justin made every effort to expose Alex to camping and the outdoors and to share his love for nature. This continued into Alex’s adult life.

Justin loved his dogs, Cocoa and Sam. Daily walks with his dog and close friends at Norm’s Island were a staple the last few years. He continued this routine with an oxygen concentrator on his back, and even a few times towards the end wheeling an oxygen tank alongside. He loved that place.

Justin became very involved in meditation and self-healing the past few years. He dedicated his mind and body to betterment and simplicity, doing yoga routinely. Alex was a big part of this and he was so proud of the man he had become. He shared these practices with many close friends, helping to pass along peace, serenity, simplicity, and gratitude.

Justin was, and always will be, a best friend to so many people whose lives he had touched; a proud father and role model to his son Alex; a loving son to his mother Denise; an eternal bond and closeness with his twin Jeremy; a role model and loving brother to Damien and Cameron; and so much to so many relatives and friends.

Justin was preceded in death by his father, Curt Brockel; grandparents, Leonard and Clara Brockel, Warren and Dorothy Becker.

Justin is survived by his son, Alex; mother, Denise; brothers, Jeremy, Damien (Sarah), and Cameron; nephews and nieces, Colter, Mikaela, Caleb, and Kyla; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 23 2024 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana with visitation and family to receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m.