Nancy was born October 11, 1938, in Rockwell City, Iowa, the daughter of Joe and Mary Maple Kunkel. She graduated from Falls City High School (Nebraska) in 1956 and from Peru State College (Nebraska) with a B.A. in Education in 1960. She met Ronald Broers in Reno, Nevada, and they were married March 25, 1961.

They had one daughter, Kelly, who is a graduate of Lewellen High School and Mary Lanning School of Nursing in Hastings, Nebraska.

Nancy was a life-long educator having taught in Reno, NV; and in Union, Nebraska City and Alliance, Nebraska. She taught the last 17 years of her career in Lewellen, Nebraska, retiring in 1997. She touched many children's lives while teaching, many of whom became life-long friends.

Never one to sit still or say "no," Nancy was involved in a plethora of activities. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Lewellen. Her interest in geneaology led her to become a Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Ash Hollow Chapter. Nancy assisted many people from across the nation in discovering their heritage. She belonged to many professional education organizations, including the Lewellen Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association and National Education Association. She also was a former board member of the Volunteers of America.

This summer Nancy obtained a job with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on the stipulation that she would not have to clean the port-a-potties and that she would get to wear an official Game and Parks cap.

Some of Nancy's favorite pastimes were hunting; fishing; sailing and trap shooting and was a member of the all-women trap shooting team, namely The Last Word. She also enjoyed making and educating people about vintage clothing. She traveled across Nebraska giving presentations about the Oregon Trail and was known by many as the "wagon train lady." Nancy was one of the script co-writers and performers of the Ash Hollow Pageant for the past 17 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her acreage on the north side of Lake McConaughy where she fed the wild turkeys and did yard work alongside her German Shorthair, DeeDee.

After retirement, Nancy enjoyed traveling. Her journeys took her to Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Europe and on many Louis and Clark Trail Expeditions.

Nancy talked to everyone and never met a stranger. Her grandsons often comment that "Grandma knows someone wherever she goes." Countless friends and relatives will remember her contagious smile, sparkling blue eyes and positive attitude.

Preceding her in death was her husband Ron in 2001 and her father Joe.

Survivors include her mother Mary Kunkel of Lewellen; her daughter Kelly (Mark) Smith of Corydon, IN; two grandsons Cheyenne and Skyler; sister Jane (Ken) Rhodus of Hastings; brother Tom (Nancy) Kunkel of Yankton, SD. Also nieces: Lynn, Amy, Chris and Jenny: and nephews: Randy, Joe and Steve; and her loyal K-9 companion DeeDee.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be on Wednesday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the Lewellen United Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Weinerman officiating.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Lewellen Volunteers of America Pre-school Fund or to the Lewellen United Methodist Church.