Nicholas R. Bronke
Nicholas R. Bronke

Nicholas was born on May 14, 1989, in Centralia, Illinois, to Jeffrey and Sarah (Bradley) Bronke. On July 13, 2013, at the Leland Lodge, he married Samantha T. Huffman, who survives.
Nick was a kind, intelligent, and hardworking man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was the epitome of selflessness, always willing to help anyone in need, and often said to have “the biggest heart.” Nick was a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to support his wife and six beloved children, providing them with love, stability, and care.
After long hours cooking delicious meals for others at work, Nick cherished returning home, where his wife Samantha always had a delicious home-cooked meal waiting for him. Whether it was gaming with his sons, cooking with his daughters, or laughing late into the night with Samantha, he embraced every moment of fatherhood and marriage with joy and devotion.
Nick had a passion for music that transcended generations. A talented guitarist, he spent his younger years jamming with friends, teaching them to play classic rock songs like AC/DC’s greatest hits. He could pick up any instrument and quickly turn it into music, showcasing his incredible natural talent. Nick’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He was an avid reader who loved learning about a wide variety of topics, especially everything about space. He adored Star Wars and took great pride in sharing a birthday with George Lucas. His curiosity and intelligence made him a captivating conversationalist, whether he was discussing history, theoretical physics, philosophy, or video games.
He was an artist at heart, often drawing, painting, and crafting Warhammer miniatures with meticulous detail. Nick shared his enthusiasm for gaming with his sons, spending countless hours bonding over their Nintendo Switch. One of 1989 ~ 2025
his favorite games to play with family members was League of Legends, which he loved for its strategy and camaraderie. Nick graduated from Le Roy High School in 2007, where he excelled as a wrestler and an all-star football player, contributing to his team’s journey to the state runner-up title as a freshman. He was a Boy Scout in his youth, confirmed in the Catholic Church, and enjoyed learning practical skills, such as working on cars with his father-in-law and making maple syrup with both of his in-laws, Richard and Cheryl.
Nick’s sense of humor was one of his most endearing qualities, with a dad joke always ready to brighten someone’s day. A gentle giant, he brought warmth and fun to gatherings, often hosting friends with an easy-going charm that made everyone feel welcome.
Nick is survived by his parents, Jeffrey and Sarah Bronke; his loving wife of 11 years, Samantha; his cherished children, Riley, Victoria, Richard, Alexander, Isabella, and Aurora; his brothers, Nathan Bronke, Brandon Bronke, and Garrett Bronke (Abbie Roberts) ; his grandparents; his in-laws, Richard and Cheryl Huffman; his siblings-in-law, Tabitha (Ernie) Pearson, Jaron Huffman, and Dereck Huffman (Jessica Hollingsworth); and his nieces and nephews, Dawson and Asher Bronke, and Ella, Finn, and Maverick Pearson. He also leaves behind his loyal dog, Corbin. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 24 at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.
The funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. with the family greeting friends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 25 also at the Martinson Funeral Home.
Burial will be announced in the spring.
Memorials in Nick’s honor may be directed to the Bronke Family, 7200 North Christianson Road, Northport, MI 49670. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
