Ralph Anton Broman

Ralph Anton Broman, 83, of Bluffton passed away at 3:45 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2011, at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home. Ralph was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on January 26, 1928, to Roy Arthur and Rosa Emelia Nelson Broman. He married Barbara Ann Hunt on December 25, 1951, in Richmond, Indiana, and she survives. Ralph graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1946 and from Ball State University in 1950. He served our country from September 15, 1950, to September 15, 1952 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of Corporal. He studied at Indiana University and graduated from there with a master’s degree in 1960. Ralph lived in Wells County since 1953. He was a high school math and science teacher for 37 years in the Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District retiring in 1989. He served as president and treasurer of the teachers association. Ralph also served on the negotiating team of the teachers’ association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a former member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club. Ralph was a private pilot and enjoyed flying his Aercoupe airplane. After retirement he enjoyed gardening and participating in an investment club. In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by four sons, David Alan Broman (wife: Joyce Cylkowski) of Kokomo, Indiana; Robert Eric Broman (wife: Karen) of Mequon, Wisconsin; Nelson Arthur Broman (wife: Linda) of Bluffton, Indiana; Carl Edward Broman of Chicago, Illinois; one daughter, Nancy Christina Leonesio (husband: Paul) of Mebane, North Carolina; one sister, Veral Mae Sharp of Warren, Indiana; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Calling hours are 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at the Bluffton First Church of the Nazarene, 1515 Clark Avenue in Bluffton and also one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. A service celebrating Ralph’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at the church with Pastor Caleb Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Chimes at Elm Grove Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #111 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Preferred memorials are to The Ralph A. Broman Scholarship Fund with checks payable to the Wells County Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com. Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements.

Ralph Anton Broman

January 26, 1928 - December 19, 2011