Gail Emma Brotman

Gail Emma Brotman, 96, of Bradenton, Fla., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at Summerfield Retirement Home in Bradenton, with her family by her side. A private memorial service was held in Bradenton at Brown & Sons Funeral Home on Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. Gail was born on Jan. 2, 1920, to Ted and Josephine Housel of Dubuque, Iowa. She spent her childhood and teen years in Chicago, and Hammond, Ind. While visiting grandparents in Moline, at age 18, Gail met a young, University of Illinois college man, Delmar Jack Brotman at the Moline Public Pool. They were married Aug. 23, 1940, settled in Moline, and lovingly raised three children. Gail's life passion was her family. She enjoyed baking and was famous for her sweetheart coffeecake and sour cream cookies. Her family teased her about her cliches that could cover every incident. Gail enjoyed participating in her children's school activities, playing bridge, gardening and golfing. She was very proud of her hole-in-one in 1988 at Indian Bluff Golf Course, Hole No. 7. She belonged to ROMO Club, The Literacy Club, King's Daughters, and was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Moline. After Jack's death in 1965, Gail began a career at Deere & Company Administrative Building in Moline, and enjoyed working in the Payroll Department and Photo Lab until her retirement in 1985. Gail became a resident of Florida in May, 2003, where she was able to be outdoors year-round, enjoying nature and sunshine. Gail's zest for life and beautiful smile will always be remembered by her family and those who knew her well. She is survived by her son, Jerrel R. (Bonnie) Brotman, Bettendorf; her daughter, Marlo J. (Denny) King, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.; and daughter, Sharon S. (Don) Erickson, Oviedo, Fla. She was “Grandma Gail” to seven grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer, Lisa, Lori, Aaron, Andrea, Tracy, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was a dear friend to many and was blessed with her lifelong friendship with Marge Graflund, Naples, Fla. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Summerfield and Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, for their loving care. Memorials may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.

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