Timothy Brockman, 77, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on December 5, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.
Born February 24, 1948, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to James and Lily Brockman, Timothy grew up in Lansing, Illinois. He attended St. Ann’s School and Thornton Fractional South High School. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art, with an emphasis in Ceramics, from Illinois State University. Timothy then accepted an apprenticeship managing a production studio and gallery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Two of his pieces are included in the Tennessee Permanent Craft Collection, and his work was represented by galleries in five states.
For 20 years, he worked as a licensed contractor specializing in residential and light commercial construction. Later, he joined the faculty at Bemidji State University, where he taught for 22 years as a professor in the Department of Technology, Art, and Design. During that time, he earned his doctorate from the University of North Dakota.
Timothy was deeply involved in the university’s construction management program and played a key role in establishing the student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders. He was an active member of the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, presenting curriculum methodologies at national conferences. Online Engineering Programs recognized him as a “Minnesota-Based Online Engineering Professor to Know.”
His lifelong passion for the fine arts, particularly ceramics, inspired both his own creative work and his teaching. His artwork was featured in several exhibitions at BSU, including “Textures, Slabs, and Thrown Pieces” at Talley Gallery and “Out of the Blaauw!” at Gallery X. After retiring to The Villages, he enthusiastically contributed his talents to the Villages Ceramics Club.
Timothy loved his family deeply and was a caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and great-uncle. He enjoyed storytelling, home renovations, woodworking, pottery, gardening, camping, hiking, Bigfoot lore, and his beloved dog Louie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lily Brockman, and his brother, Jim.
Timothy is survived by his son, Timothy Brockman (Jennifer); his daughter, Angela Knudson (Brian); grandchildren Elsa Knudson, Theodore Brockman, and August Brockman; sisters Marie Zumstein (Bruce) and Nancy Hoffmann (Alan); and nephews Jason, Chris, and Joshua Zumstein, and Jake Hoffmann.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Hiers-Baxley Buffalo Ridge Chapel, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162.
Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Place, Lady Lake, FL 32159, with burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Palm Cemetery, 1005 N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789.
The family extends sincere thanks to UF Health Hospital, Cornerstone Hospice, Concierge Care, St. Vincent Catholic Church, St. Timothy Catholic Church, and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home.
For Minnesota friends and family, a celebration of Timothy’s life will be held this summer upon the family’s return to Minnesota.