Nathalie “Gal” C. Snouwaert, age 77, of Gladstone, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2020 at her home in Gladstone.
Gal was born February 5, 1943, in Green Bay, WI, the daughter of John “Jack” and Isabelle Mae (Dionne) VanBrocklin, Sr. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Degree in Nursing. Gal and her first husband, Thomas Coppock, moved to Milwaukee where they both worked. He preceded her in death. Upon returning to the Upper Peninsula, she worked as a registered nurse for a few facilities. She was united in marriage to Thomas Snouwaert. Together they owned and operated Tom’s Auto Care Center in Gladstone for many years. In 1993, they adopted Nicolette Snouwaert and they enjoyed being together as a family.
Gal enjoyed cooking and baking. She also was an avid gardener. Gal enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews, especially giving them their nicknames. Her and Tom spent a lot of time with the Young Eagles program and they lived in the hangar with their airplane.
Gal is survived by:
1 Daughter and her twin Sister: Nicolette (Harley) Hamilton of Gladstone, MI and Amanda (Matt) DeBauche of Gladstone, MI
5 Brothers: John “Crocky” (Carol) VanBrocklin, Jr. of Gladstone, MI
Daniel “Smokey” (Sue) VanBrocklin of Gladstone, MI
Terry “Doc” (Alice) VanBrocklin of Gladstone, MI
Rodney “Roadtrash” (Kay) VanBrocklin of Gladstone, MI
Robert “Uno” (Kathy) VanBrocklin of PawPaw, MI
1 Sister: Sandra (John) Beggs of Gladstone, MI
1 GrandDaughter: Raylea Hamilton
And Children and Grandchildren from Tom Snouwaert’s marriage.
Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins which are too numerous to mention
In addition to Gal’s Parents, she was preceded in death by:
1 Sister: Sherry Myers
1st Husband: Thomas Coppock
2nd Husband: Thomas Snouwaert
Family will receive friends Monday, November 9, 2020 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A funeral service will follow visiting hours at 3:00 PM with Pastor Paul Culbertson. A luncheon will follow at the former VanBrocklin Home at 309 North 17th Street in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Snouwaert family.
Dan Bjorkquist - Gladstone , Mi
I have fond memories of gal. I worked for Tom and Gal on and off for over 15 years. I have wonderful memories of the times we would close up the station early on a Sunday afternoon and fly their plane somewhere for dinner. And she got me hooked on her favorite pizza, pepperoni and pineapple from muellers, (that I still love to this day!) and we would enjoy them together most Friday nights at work. And many great hangar parties. I know she was in failing health in recent years. Now she is at peace. She and Tom are flying high now!
Dinah Lake - Crescent City, CA
To Natalie’s Family:
It has been since 1962 when I last saw Natalie (I moved away in 1962), but I remember her when we were in high school @ GHS she was one year ahead of me. We would chat here and there but I remember a very sweet and kind person with a beautiful smile. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Without a doubt I know she will be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy to her total family.
Jeannie Jewell - Rock, Mi
My deepest condolences to all of the family. My Dad used to work for Gal & Tom at the station in Gladstone- his name was Hank- he just passed oct 23rd also…. sadly. They had many good memories together as well. My dad was a pilot along with Tom- so they all spent time- hanging out together -at the West Gladstone airport as well. Your family is in my prayers. ❤️
Jeannie Jewell
Milo Austin - Conway, AR
To all the VanBrocklin family, I am so sorry to hear of Gal’s passing. I’ve known Gal and all the VanBrocklin family since we moved to Gladstone in 1955, though I left for the service in 1967. I have enjoyed visiting with Gal and other members over the years, and saw her and Issy the last time in the summer of 2005 when we were in Gladstone. Please accept my sincere condolences.