Nancy Jane Brockmiller

May 4, 1935 - November 29, 2016

Nancy Jane Brockmiller, 81, of St. Charles, MI and Central Lake, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Boardman Lake Glens on November 29, 2016. She was born on May 4th, 1935 in Hastings, MI, the daughter of Harold and Helen Foster. In 1957 she earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University where she studied retailing and upon graduation entered the management training program at JL Hudson’s in Detroit, MI. It was there that she met her husband of 57 years, Russ Brockmiller. Shortly after her marriage she elected to become a full time homemaker and mother. This was her true calling and she loved caring for her family, playing the piano at night for her kids as they fell asleep, cooking, canning and maintaining a beautiful garden. Nancy had special things she shared with each of her four children. She gave her eldest daughter, Kathryn, a love of books, reading and art. She always looked forward to her son John’s visits and the help he was always offering. With her son, Karl, she shared a passion for Morgan horses, enjoying just spending time with them out in the pasture and also travelling with Karl as he showed them and competed throughout the country. With her youngest daughter, Kristin, she shared a love of travel. Together they visited much of Europe and the US, taking many trips together, two of the most special being London and also Scotland. In 1995 when Russ retired she was able to help build her dream home on Torch Lake where so many wonderful family memories were created. She and her husband Russ had a deep love and affection for each other and especially in her recent years they enjoyed long drives through the countryside, sharing meals out and going to Kilwins in Charlevoix to get an ice cream cone and watch the summer people. Nancy is survived by her husband, Russ, and three of her children, Kathryn ( Bernard ) Riker of Traverse City, John Brockmiller of Owosso. Kristin Brockmiller of Saginaw, and her grandchildren. Lachlan Brockmiller and Aili Brockmiller of Traverse City. She is preceded in death by her son Karl Brockmiller of Traverse City, and each of her siblings, Lachlan Foster, Sally Foster Lockhart and Duncan Foster. The family wishes to thank Boardman Lake Glens for their excellent care. Many of the staff their made Nancy smile and made her last month’s better. Visitation for Nancy will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 5 until 7 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Monday, December 5th at 11:00 AM with a visitation held one hour prior and a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place privately at the Eastport-Lakeview Cemetery overlooking Torch Lake. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation – Michigan Chapter, 25882 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.