Katie Broecker

Katie Marie Broecker was born on March 17, 1982 to Richard and Patti Broecker at Good Samaritan hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Katie was born premature and so small and frail, unlike the Katie we all know, that she couldn't be released from the hospital for a month. At that time she already had a brother, Chris, who was a year older than her (if you ask him he might correct you to say, one year-five months-and eleven days), and in less than two years she would have sisters, Brooke and Hope.

When it was time for Katie to go to school she entered the Milford system and took it by storm. Throughout her youth Katie excelled at academics and athletics. As good as Katie was at sports, she was an even better friend. Katie was a diverse and involved student, being on the Honor Roll and head editor of Publications as well as a multi-sport athlete. Throughout her school career she participated in basketball, volleyball, softball, track & field, soccer, and cross-country (I think everyone knows participated doesn't quite describe what kind of athlete she was). In whatever she did Katie would touch the lives of the people she came in contact with. She would constantly keep up relationships with old teammates, classmates, family, and co-workers even as her life kept her further from home.

After Katie graduated from high school she went on to Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. At Taylor University Katie played for her college basketball team where she became an instant leader. She was named first team All-American in her conference and set many school records in points, blocks, and rebounds. While she did stand out in her basketball career, those who know her will probably tell you that basketball was not her main passion. Whether it was her teammates, classmates, family, or friends, she would make lasting relationships and work hard to keep those connections.

During her time at Taylor she became involved with the Boys and Girls Club, leading sport camps for the youth, and that is just to name a few. It was her love for people that led her to go on a mission trip in the Spring of 2003 to the county of Haiti found in the Caribbean. Katie returned from the trip very touched for the people of Haiti and this was the beginning of her life's calling.

After multiple visits and much prayer, Katie decided to return to Haiti full-time. Katie's passion was for the orphans and the people of the villages and as a first step to return to Haiti she joined Quisqueya Christian School in Port-au-Prince. Although given a position in public relations in recruiting staff for the school, Katie's nature to engage in people lives led her to be a coach, leader in re-forestation efforts, yearbook director, teacher, sports organizer, and became a mentor and friend to many students and staff at Quisqueya. She will be greatly missed not only by her family and friends in the States but also her adopted family in Haiti.

The funeral service for Katie Broecker (TUFW '04) is Friday, November 9, at 7:00 PM, with visitation prior to the service from 5:00-7:00. The service is at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1170 State Route 131, Milford OH  45150.

The address of Katie's parents is 524 Main Street, Milford, OH  45150.