Nancy Lou Van Hull

Nancy Lou Burgdorf Van Hull; of White Lake, Michigan; passed away at age 76 on Thursday, February 29, 2024, after a brave yearlong battle with cancer. Nancy was born on October 30, 1947, in Pontiac to Joseph Burgdorf and Arlene Babcock Burgdorf. She was raised in Pontiac alongside her brothers Joe and Bill, and attended Pontiac Central High School. Nancy graduated from Western Michigan University in 1969 and later received her master's degree in Childhood Psychology from Michigan State University. She would continue her postgraduate studies for many years.

Nancy began her distinguished career in education in 1969 with stints at Madison and Eastern Junior High Schools prior to 10 years at Pontiac Central teaching English and Composition. She was named Teacher of the Year for the district in the early 80s. Nancy transitioned to Oakland Technical Center NE in 1984 and taught Business, English and Technical Writings, finishing as the Assistant Dean until her retirement in 2004. Her legacy is that of a passionate and exacting teacher who touched and impacted thousands of young lives.

Together for over 60 years, Nancy married the love of her life, Phil Van Hull, on August 30, 1968. They raised their two sons, Philip and Eric, with pride and joy, and would later be overjoyed to welcome their three grandchildren into the family. Her happiest times were those spent with her family and close friends. Her lifetime of meaningful friendships were too numerous to count and she was fiercely loyal to those she loved. A lifelong learner, Nancy was a voracious reader and avid traveler.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill. She is survived by her husband Phil; sons Philip David Van Hull (Sara) and Eric Michael Van Hull; brother Joe Burgdorf (Debbie); grandchildren Philip Joseph Van Hull II, Grace Anne Van Hull and Ava Lou Riley Van Hull; and so many other family members she loved dearly.

On behalf of the Greater Pontiac Sister City Club, and in memory of Vice President Nancy Van Hull, we graciously accept memorial donations to our Greater Pontiac Sister City Club for our future engagements with Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.  We plan to plant a tree in memory of Nancy and our excellent relationship with Kusatsu when they travel to Pontiac in September.  Greater Pontiac Sister City Club, 1021 Oak Tree Lane, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-1177.