May 26, 1940 ~ February 16, 2019
VISITATION DETAILS
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
2:00 – 9:00 PM
Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home
Shelby, IA
(get directions)
The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
SERVICE DETAILS
Thursday, February 21, 2019
11:00 AM
United Lutheran Church
Shelby, IA
(get directions)
Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, IA
SURVIVORS
Husband – Richard Brockmann of Shelby, IA
1 Daughter – Joni (Matt) Mardesen of Monroe, IA
1 Son – Steve (Rhonda) Brockmann of Bellevue, NE
3 Brothers – Larry Bertram of Lancaster, CA
Jim (Gloria) Bertram of La Crosse, WI
Tom (Dee) Bertram of Sioux City, IA
1 Sister – Joyce Rosenboom of Lexington, KY
1 Sister-in-law – Jean Bertram of Ireton, IA
9 Grandchildren
Other Relatives & Friends
Karan Kay Brockmann, the daughter of Lorenz and Harriet (Tucker) Bertram, was born on May 26, 1940, in Ireton, Iowa. She attended Ireton schools, where she played basketball and was a member of the band. Following her high school graduation in 1958, Karan attended Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, and earned her teaching certificate in 1960. On June 16, 1961, Karan married Richard Lee Brockmann in Ireton. The couple lived in a number of towns in northwest Iowa, where Karan taught first and second grades. In 1975, they moved to Shelby, Iowa, where Karan became the meal site coordinator for Shelby Seniors. She later worked for Pottawattamie County Health for many years.
Karan was a member of United Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa, and taught Sunday School and Bible school for many years. She was an organized woman who kept a neat home. Karan enjoyed spending time with and cooking for her family members. She also liked flower gardening, painting flowers, and reading.
Karan K. Brockmann died on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. She had reached the age of 78 years, 8 months, and 16 days.
Karan was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Allan “Bic” Bertram and Charles Bertram; and one sister, Jean Eilers. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard Brockmann of Shelby, Iowa, one daughter, Joni (Matt) Mardesen of Monroe, Iowa; one son, Steve (Rhonda) Brockmann of Bellevue, Nebraska; three brothers, Larry Bertram of Lancaster, California, Jim (Gloria) Bertram of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Tom (Dee) Bertram of Sioux City, Iowa; one sister, Joyce Rosenboom of Lexington, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Jean Bertram of Ireton, Iowa; nine grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at United Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa, with Pastor Heather Ploen officiating. Nancy Armstrong served as the organist, and Bonnie Peters was the soloist. Casket bearers were Jason Ploen, Mark Bertram, Doug Robinson, Dale Schroeder, Larry McKnabb, and Kent Brockmann. Burial was in the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Shelby, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.
My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one, Karan. May all your wonderful memories and Jesus Christ’s promise at John 5:28,29 bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Karen was a dear friend, she was an exceptional person to visit with when I was dealing with my husband being ill, and dying with stage 4 liver cancer. She always had kind words and prayers for both of us. I know she will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences, from across the miles, on the loss of your Wife, Mother, and Grandmother— I remember Karan as a lovely lady and stellar teacher. She chose to become a homemaker and mother—a noble choice. It has been many years, as our lives went in different directions. I was saddened to hear of her passing. I remember many pleasant visits over noon lunches. Our little school setting still holds poignant memories that seem difficult to duplicate. Joni, I sort of lost track of your whereabouts, but I still remember your effervescence and free-spirit. You always seemed to bring joy along with you into the classroom. I still keep in touch with many of that exceptional class. Teaching first grade reading, for the first time, was an awesome responsibility and not without trepidation. I had been a sixth-grade teacher in Cherokee. I still remember the joy and relief when one of the students brought a “Reader’s Digest” to read funny children’s recipes to us. Ah, mission accomplished! I remember you taking to reading like “a duck to water”, without taking yourself too seriously in the process. I know that your mother’s passing will leave a tremendous void in your life, but the many good memories will transcend the sorrow that you feel today. May God Bless Your Family. May she R I P. Sincerely, Bonnie Mester
Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady.
Joni & family. Our deepest condolences to you in the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you know peace and comfort.