Michael Arnz Brockman, age 78, tenderhearted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at Hospice House in West Burlington, IA, on Wednesday, November 8. 2023. He was born in Fort Madison on August 20, 1945, the son of Carl G. and Dorothy Saar Brockman. On December 28, 1968, he married Mary Nystrom in Beloit, Wisconsin. She survives.
Mike always pursued life with willful determination and positive energy. After graduating from Aquinas High School in Fort Madison in 1963, he continued his education by earning a B.S. in mathematics and physics from St. Ambrose College in 1967. He then immediately entered graduate school at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, where he completed a Master of Science Degree in Mathematics. He and Mary met at a French Department party during their graduate school studies at U of K. What Mike was doing at a French Department party we will never know, but the rest is history.
After their time in Lexington, Mike and Mary relocated to Rantoul, IL, where Mike served for three years in the USAF at Chanute Air Force Base working as an instructor in the Minuteman Missile program. He also taught mathematics part-time at Parkland College during this period.
Following his stint in the Air Force, Mike again returned to graduate school at Purdue University, where he earned a second Master of Science Degree, this time in Applied Statistics. This academic path led him to work for several years as a statistician for engineering support at the Winthrop Hill site of Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, OH.
Mike never liked to sit still for very long and was always on the go. In 1980 at only 34 years of age, he opted for a major life and career change and moved his family back to Fort Madison, where he joined his father Carl in the management of the family business, Fort Madison Ready Mixed Concrete and Brockman Sand Company. In 1982 Mike expanded the business when he purchased the Houghton Ready Mix Concrete Company. Upon his father’s untimely passing in 1983, he then assumed ownership and operation of the company. At the Ready Mix Mike loved the challenges of task analysis and construction design, overseeing the wellbeing of his employees, and meeting and collaborating with construction colleagues state-wide. He worked here until selling the company in 2000. He also hosted an annual holiday party in this era which many considered to be the best party in town.
Civic interests also led Mike to participate as a board member of the Fort Madison Development Corporation, the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Bank, Fort Madison Country Club, and Fort Madison Community Hospital. He also served as president of the two later entities.
In retirement, Mike exhibited the same enthusiasm and energy that had previously marked his career paths. He became an avid reader, traveler, organized family adventures, and continued several of his civic interests. He enjoyed writing a book review column for the Fort Madison Democrat and volunteered with the Fort Madison Food Pantry. Most importantly, he became a loving papa! Mike and Mary frequently traveled to France, where they would stuff their belongings into a little car, and then casually explore any idea or region that captured their imagination. Being in France also allowed them to continue their friendship with their family’s former French exchange student Cécile Mazou and her family.
Mike’s generosity and devotion to his family brought him great joy. He was always available to lend a helping hand. All who knew him will forever remember his infectious laugh, which also served as an infallible beacon for friends and family to find him in any crowd.
Mike is survived by his wife Mary and three children: Andrew Brockman (Anna Waterman), Matthew Brockman (Shannin Zevian), and Elizabeth Brockman Woodbury (Brent), as well as two grandchildren, Mia Elizabeth Woodbury and Drew Arnz Woodbury. He is also survived by his loving siblings Mary Ann Brockman Boyle (Ken), Robert Brockman (Kim), and Patrick Brockman (Becky) as well as eight nieces and nephews.
Those who wish to contribute a memorial in Mike’s honor might consider the Fort Madison Public Library, the Fort Madison Area Art Association, or Doctors Without Borders, all organizations that were close to Mike’s heart. King-Lynk Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at http://www.kinglynk.com
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fort Madison, on Wednesday November 15 at 11:00 AM. Reverend Robert MacAleer will be the celebrant. A gathering immediately following the service will be hosted by the family at River Rocks, 709 Avenue H.
