Henry W. "Hank" Broge, Jr.

Monday, April 2, 2018 marks the passing of Ohio's greatest University of Michigan fan, Henry W. "Hank" Broge, Jr. A youthful 80 years, Hank left this earth peacefully in his Anderson Township home surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Hank was born on June 12, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Henry W. and Ellen G. (nee Clos) Broge. As a young man of 19, he enlisted in the United States Army in June, 1956 and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Hank returned home to Michigan two years later ready to take on the world. After many years of working for the government, he retired as a Division Chief from the Internal Revenue Service in 1996.

Married to his sweetheart for over 54 years, Hank and Vera would raise two daughters and a son, and later welcome ten grandchildren. Laughter could be heard for miles as practical jokes were played and smart wit was sharpened daily, but the amount of love that poured out from the Broge household was immeasurable. Hank was a family man who kept clean records of debts owed but as long as you were a Michigan fan, you would be just fine!

A devoted animal lover, dogs and cats were welcomed with lots of love and treated as part of the family. Hank enjoyed playing golf with his cronies in the IRS league and won several awards; after retirement, the group went on annual golf trip weekends. He was an avid crossword puzzle buff, and even dabbled in writing poetry, an art passed on to other members of the family.

But his true love (other than Vera, of course!)? THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN! GO BLUE!!! Did you ever see his wardrobe? On game day, he could be found decked out in U of M colors from his socks to his hat – and sometimes even his briefs! If it was made with the signature block M, he owned it. Hank should win the award for being Ohio's greatest Michigan fan! A faithful fan right up to his passing, the family finds comfort knowing that he watched his team excel to the Final Four in 2018, and make it to the NCAA Championship game.

Hank is survived by the love of his life, Vera L. (nee France) Broge; children, Katie (Tom) Smith, Maria (David) Wiedwald, and Mark (Jennifer) Broge; grandchildren, Justin Smith, Tyler Smith, Ryan Wiedwald, Aaron Wiedwald, Lauren Wiedwald, Alysha Broge, Adam Broge, Leila Broge, Gabrielle Broge and Emily Eldridge; his sister, Anne (Sydney) Gomez; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home with Rev. Julie Alsip officiating.

The family would like to invite you to join them in wearing University of Michigan colors, MAIZE and BLUE (maize is yellow for you non-Michiganders) on Saturday to help celebrate Hank's life in a fun and colorful way.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: ASPCA.org, or, if you are so inclined, to Democrats.org.

Our hope is that our husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle has left you with as many smiles as he left us. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your stories – and everyone who knew Hank has at least one!