Nancy Broge, 91, of Freeport, IL passed away peacefully Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was born on March 31, 1934 in Freeport, IL to LeRoy and Naomi (Dittmar) Crouse. She married Glenn (Dick) Broge on January 22, 1950 in Lena, IL. Glenn and Nancy farmed in the Winslow, IL area until 1966 when they moved their family to a farm in the Cedarville, IL area.
Nancy was an active member of the Cedarville United Methodist Church for over 50 years and helped with many church functions throughout the years.
Her first and most important job was caring for her family and helping Glenn on the farm, but later in life she found a new passion when she went to work for the Freeport School District. She was employed with them for 31 years where she made many lasting friendships and enjoyed working with the children.
Throughout her life Nancy enjoyed the many trips she was able to go on with friends and family. Her last little getaway was to the Delton Oaks in the summer of 2024 where she had such a good time with family and friends.
Nancy took on many sewing projects, she thrived on this and it was more than a hobby she could go from repairing a ripped tarp that was needed at the farm to making a flower girl dress. No project was too big or too small for her to sew.
She was also a long-time member of the Stephenson County Home Extension where she served on the board and volunteered her time at the Stephenson County Fair. Nancy was an avid card player and enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events.
Above all, Nancy loved her family. Her joy came from being with everyone at family gatherings and celebrations. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Her smile, loving hug, and infectious laughter will live on in all who knew her.
She is survived by her children Diane (George) Walz, Douglas (Jeri) Broge, and Donna Mellen all of Freeport, grandchildren: Tim (Nicole) Broge, Kristine (Anthony) Coon, Jerome Broge, Kevin (Kristi) Walz, Lisa (Nick) Thompson, Ross (Ashley) Mellen, Paige (Kameron) Marcum, and Brooke Mellen, and 15 great-grandchildren – Drew, Tyler, Evan, Hanna Broge, Madison, Allison and Emerson Coon, , Austin and Bryson Walz, Ethan, Maggie, Noah and Nolan Thompson, and Madeleine Mellen, and Reid Marcum.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn in 2021, son Dennis, grandson Daniel, and sister Patricia Kleckler.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3:30 pm with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service, at the Cedarville United Methodist Church, 600 W. Washington St, in Cedarville, IL.
A memorial has been established in her name. Online condolences may be shared at www.schwarzfh.com
