Karl Foster Brockmiller

Karl Foster Brockmiller, 51, of Traverse City passed away March 18, 2016 surrounded by loving family at Munson Medical Center after a long struggle with Crohn's Disease.

Karl was born on April 4, 1964 in Flint MI to Russell and Nancy ( Foster ) Brockmiller. He graduated from St. Charles High School and then received a Bachelor's degree in advertising from Michigan State University in 1987. He enjoyed a successful career in advertising which led him to the Detroit market where he worked for advertising agencies and news outlets including U S News and World Report and The Weather Channel. During his early career he travelled to places in the Middle East and Japan for advertising shoots for the Jeep brand. In early 2008, with a desire to move to Traverse City, he accepted the position of National Account Sales Manager for Heritage Broadcasting, 9 & 10 News where he worked until the middle of 2015. The family is grateful for the support Heritage Broadcasting gave Karl during his illness. In 2011, Karl was selected to be a part of the Regional Chamber Grand Traverse Leadership Advisory Committee. He also served on the Traverse City Historic Districts Commission.

Karl's desire to move with his family to northern Michigan stemmed from enjoying the summers of his youth spent at the family cottage on Torch Lake where he would spend hours playing in the woods and making regular visits to The Brownwood. Another important part of his early years was his love of Morgan horses. With his parents, he travelled the country showing in national competitions and worked for a trainer in his high school years. He also always enjoyed the water and found peace sailing and working on his Catalina sailboat.

His greatest love and accomplishment were his two children, Lachlan and Aili. He treasured his time with them whether it was taking long nature walks, spending time at the cottage in Norwood, skiing, biking, or fixing them special dinners.

Surviving Karl are his children, Lachlan and Aili Brockmiller of Traverse City; parents Russell and Nancy of St. Charles, MI, siblings, Kathryn ( Bernie ) Riker of Traverse City, John Brockmiller of Owosso, Kristin Brockmiller of Saginaw; former spouse Lauri Brockmiller of Traverse City and many other family members and friends.

Visitation for Karl will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 4 until 7pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, March 24 at 11am 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. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Karl's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.