Donna M. Broderius

Obituary

Donna M. Broderius, age 86 of Hector, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at RenVilla Health Center, in Renville, Minnesota. A private family graveside service will be held at the Hector City Cemetery in Hector, Minnesota. A public Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector at a later date.

Donna Mae Broderius was born February 15, 1934, in rural Hector, Renville County, Minnesota, the daughter of Harry and Evelyn (Dodge) Laffen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hector. Donna grew up in rural Hector, and graduated from Hector High School with the class of 1952. After high school, Donna lived in Minneapolis and worked at Marquette National Bank.

On April 10, 1955, Donna was united in marriage to Malcolm Broderius at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Hector. They lived and farmed in Melville Township and raised a family of four children. Donna worked part-time while raising her children and being a devoted farm wife.

As a life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran, Donna served as the church secretary and was involved with WELCA, Rebecca Circle, Bible study groups, and Women of Faith. Donna was also an American Red Cross volunteer, coordinating numerous blood drives, as well as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Service to others was a constant in Donna’s life.

Donna enjoyed traveling with Malcolm and together spending time with card clubs and friends. She belonged to a bridge club and birthday club for many years. Some of Donna’s interests included: flower gardening, canning, baking (you’d always find treats on Donna’s counter), knitting (we all have some of Donna’s washcloths), playing cards, reading, watching the Twins, Vikings, and FOX News, making rosettes with Malcolm at Christmas, and attending sporting and other events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Above all, Donna took great pride in being a farm wife and greatly cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Donna passed away December 17 at Renvilla Health Center, having reached the age of 86 years and 10 months.

Donna is survived by her four children: Kim and husband Jack Miller of Hector, Deb and husband John Lingl of Bird Island, David and wife Anne Broderius of Hector, and Brenda and husband Neal Prokosch of Bird Island; eight grandchildren: Brandon (and Lisa) Miller, Sheena Ackerson, Trisha Lingl, Taylor (and Kayla) Broderius, Jack Broderius, McKenzie (and Nick) Spalding, and Reese and Lily Prokosch; six great-grandchildren: Hallie Ann Miller, Haley, Ashton and Austin Ackerson, and Hudson and Brooks Spalding. Donna is also survived by siblings Keith (and Sandee) Laffen of Bird Island, Bruce (and Linda) Laffen of Willmar, Richard Laffen of Litchfield, Cynthia (and Dennis) Meyer of Avon, and Tim (and Margaret) Laffen of Lake Lillian; brother and sister-in-laws Lloyd and Maxine Broderius of Hector, and Forrest and Mary Broderius of Hector; as well as many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Malcolm, her parents, sister Sheila Hess, sister-in-law Diane Laffen, and brother and sister-in-law Buford and Elvera Broderius.

May the Lord bless her memory.

In lieu of flowers, Donna’s family wishes memorials be made to: American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Prairie View of Hector, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector.