Grayson Brottmiller, 101 of Sterling, died on Sunday, November 27, 2022.
He was born on April 6, 1921, the son of Frank and Frieda (Siegfried) Brottmiller. He married Lois Ward on April 1, 1950, in Eureka, Illinois.
Grayson earned his Bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, his Master of Science from Northern Illinois University, and his Master of Fine Arts in Pipe Organ Performance from the University of Michigan. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Moline. He held the position of church organist for several local and area Lutheran churches and provided the music for many weddings and choirs. He rang bells for the Salvation Army for many years. He composed music for the pipe organ, painted in watercolors and oils, and was a skilled woodworker and master gardener. He was the principal of Washington Grade School for many years and later of Lincoln Grade School, also in Sterling.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Brottmiller of Sterling; two daughters, Debi Hill of Sterling and Kristina Brottmiller of Quincy, MA; two sons, William (Ruth Griffin) Brottmiller of Mattapoisett, MA and Robert Brottmiller of Sterling; one sister, Ruth Smalley of Peru, IN; four grandchildren, Daphne (PJ) Perry of Chicago, Molly (Edward Burns) Brottmiller of New York City, Evan (Megan) Hill of Dixon, IL, and Charles (Meghan) Brottmiller of Los Angeles; four great grandchildren, Beatrix Perry, Juniper Perry, Edward Burns, and Lorraine Burns; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert Brottmiller, and one sister, Lois Duchrow.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, 1002 12th Avenue, with Steven Steely officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established to the First Lutheran Church of Moline, the Salvation Army, and PADS.
Condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
