Mary Bronkema

Mary E. Bronkema, 83, of Pearl City, IL, passed away Friday May 30, 2025. She was born February 1, 1942 in Freeport, IL, the youngest of eleven children to James and Daisy (Irwin) Jones. On February 17, 1962 she married Wayne Bronkema at Bethany Methodist Church in Freeport, IL. Mary and Wayne met at a roller skating rink and soon after built a life together. Wayne served time in the Army and upon his return to Illinois he and Mary bought a small farm in Pearl City and started a family. Anyone who knew Mary well knew she loved to cook, bake and make homemade bread. She was known for her famous homemade cinnamon rolls. Mary was a secretary at Micro Switch for many years allowing her an early retirement. She was organized, kind and took great care of her family, She was a loving mother, wife and grammy. She was loved and will be missed.

She is survived by her husband Wayne of Pearl City, IL; son Kevin (Kelly) Bronkema of Edwardsburg, MI; and two grandsons Garret Bronkema of New Hudson, Michigan and Dylan Bronkema of Edwardsburg, MI.

Preceding her parents in death are her parents; siblings Kathryn Kutz, James Jones Jr., Paul Jones, Richard Jones, Albert Jones, Robert Jones, Donald Jones, John Jones, Homer Jones, and Leo Jones; and niece Stephanie Kutz Laymon.

Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 11:00 A.M. on June 2, 2025, no graveside services will take place. Chaplain Jeremy Heller will be officiating. A memorial has been established in Mary’s memory.