Mary Bernice Nachtegall, age 83 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years James, and her brothers Don and Tom Braendle. She is survived by her sister Ann Rowlader; her five sons John (Kim), Dave (Anne), Steve (Debbie), Tom (Kelly), Bob (Tracy); fourteen grandchildren Nikki (Matt), Kate, Annette (fiancé Jose Marquez), Brian (Amy), C.J., Allison (fiancé Paul Schemper), Michael, Sarah, Luke, Elizabeth, Emily, James, Joseph, Monica; and three great-grandchildren Gracelyn, Aiden and Andie. Mary graduated from Mercy Central School of Nursing in 1951. She worked at both Kent Community Hospital and Holland Home and was especially fond of travelling with both family and friends. The family is particularly grateful to Mary’s Godson, Dr. Bob Lang for his regular house calls, professional approach and caring presence in the last months of her life, and to Spectrum Health Hospice for their ever present and compassionate support. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Rev. James A. Chelich, presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Rosary will be recited Friday 6:00 PM. Visitation Friday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s Killgoar Foundation, 1935 Plymouth SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or St Thomas the Apostle School’s Educational Foundation, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
