Nona M. Brookbank

OREGON - Nona May Brookbank, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on June 19, 1937, to parents, Wallace and Loal (Cross) Koepp in Russell Gulch, Colo.

Nona’s father farmed and worked in canneries, frequently traveling across the country for work. This lifestyle likely helped to shape Nona to be the adaptable and highly resilient woman that she was. Nona entered the U.S. Air Force and completed her basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. Her next assignment was to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi for radar specialist training.

It was there, at a Baptist church Bible study, where she met and fell in love with Ken Brookbank. They eventually married and Nona often referred to it as the “highlight of her career.” Later she and Ken adopted three children, Robert, Mary and Karen. Family life included a range of hobbies, interests, and events that included Nona’s favorite activities: camping with family and friends, fishing, bowling, dancing, crafting, collecting memorabilia from travel, and singing and listening to gospel and Christian music.

Nona was an active member of the Oregon Jaycees and the Oregon Senior Center’s Veteran Support Group. St. John’s Lutheran Church community felt gifted and fortunate to have the Brookbanks among its members. After joining, they quickly found countless ways to volunteer and serve the congregation. Nona and Ken were known for 50 years of generosity, dedication, and care for others. In addition to loving family support, Nona enjoyed strong relationships with church members who gratefully served her family in times of need and serious illness.

Nona was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; parents, Wallace and Loal; and grandson, Eric Keller. She is survived by her son, Robert; daughters, Mary Schneider and Karen Keller; many grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; sister, Patricia (Frank) Krief; and brother, Arthur (Carol) Koepp.

A memorial service will be held at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, with Pastor Ellen Stelzle presiding. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will be held at the Union Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Special thanks to St. Mary’s Hospital and Evansville Manor staff who brought healing and comfort to Nona. The family requests that memorials be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Oregon. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral and Cremation Care
1150 Park Street

(608) 835-3515