Michael John Brochmann
November 12, 1919 — December 12, 2012
Michael John Brochmann, age 93, died Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born November 12, 1919 in Grace City North Dakota to Michael John and Elsie Marie Brochmann. Following a chance encounter with a radio mechanic during WWII that sparked a stardust romance, he married Betty Ann Schweiger at St. Patrick's Cathedral El Paso Texas on October 8, 1943. She preceded him in death September 20, 1970. Michael grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. As a young man, he entered the US Army Air Corp, serving in the European Theater of WWII as a pilot. His career as a pilot was highlighted with leading salvage missions for downed aircraft, training new pilots including Tuskegee airmen, testing experimental aircraft, and piloting dignitaries of the world including US presidents, members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and leaders of foreign nations. With the rank of Major, he retired after serving his final assignment at Nellis Air Force Base. After a 30 year military career, he had a 44 year career with Wells Fargo Bank in its central vault operations. He enjoyed photography, the outdoors, wildlife and he loved his dogs. He will be remembered as an extraordinary man, a generous humanitarian and a dedicated father. Survivors include five daughters: Lyn Wren of Moapa, NV; Elsa (Samuel) Murray of Santa Clarita, CA; Jinx Brochmann (Richard) Nolan of Limerick, PA; Michele D'Reye (William) Haldeman of Las Vegas, NV; Mary Mancuso of Las Vegas, NV; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one sister, Dolores Flom of Park City, UT. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Ann Fritz; one son, John Charles; and infant sister, Jeanne. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Moapa Valley Mortuary, 5090 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Logandale, NV. Friends and family are invited to sign our online guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wendell P. Williams Empowerment School, 1030 "J' Street, Las Vegas, NV 89106 or to the USO at www.uso.org.