Isabelle Mae “Issy” VanBrocklin, age 83, of 309 North 17th Street, Gladstone, MI died Saturday evening July 16, 2005 at home following a lengthy illness. Isabelle was born August 15, 1921 in Marquette, MI the daughter of Frederick James and Carrie Eleanor (Billings) Dionne Sr. She was raised in Marquette where she attended the Marquette Public Schools. She was united in marriage to John “Jack” VanBrocklin Sr. on August 24, 1940. In 1948 they made their home in Gladstone where they raised their eight children. John preceded her in death on July 31, 1993. Issy was a very active member of the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone where she taught Sunday school and worked at the Lake Ellen Bible Camp. Her family was extremely important to her and she had a great sense of humor. Issy’s hobbies included working in her garden and yard and writing poetry. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include:

5 Sons: John “Crocky” (Carol) VanBrocklin of Gladstone; Daniel “Smokey” (Susan) VanBrocklin of Gladstone; Terry “Doc” (Alice) VanBocklin of Gladstone; Rodney (Kay) VanBrocklin of Henderson, NV; Robert (Kathleen) VanBrocklin of Gladstone

3 Daughters: Nathalie “Gal” Snouwaert of Gladstone; Sandra Townsend of Gladstone; Sherry (Charlie) Myers of Gladstone

26 Grandchildren, 55 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband Jack, she was preceded in death by:

6 Sisters

3 Brothers

3 Son-in-laws: Tom Coppock, Herb Townsend and Tom Snouwaert

1 Grandson: Rob Nelson

Issy’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Luncheon will follow visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 6:25 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Isabelle “Issy” VanBrocklin will follow at 6:30 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Stephen Patrick officiating. The family invites you to walk with them behind the covered wagon for the committal service at Fernwood Cemetery, about a mile from the church, if you so desire. Transportation will be provided for those needing a ride.