Donald Gary Brogger

Donald Gary Brogger, 74, passed away on November 26, 2022 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota with his wife, Melissa, by his side. He was known for his generous spirit, practical jokes, and ability to fix almost anything. He had a gentle heart with an especially soft spot for animals and children.

Born April 20, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Don was raised in Mounds View alongside his twin brother, Ron; sisters LuAnne and Karen; and cousin Betty Mae. His father, Larry Brogger, and mother, Betty (Lossing) Brogger, were kept on their toes by the mischievous twin boys. The inseparable duo was known for getting into trouble in their early years, with one or both of them often sporting a mysterious bruise as a result of their hijinks. During a particularly memorable Christmas, the boys were thrilled to find Mattel Shootin' Shell toy guns underneath the tree, and they proceeded to shoot one or two ornaments off the tree. One of Don's all-time favorite childhood memories was when the family took a trip to Disneyland shortly after its grand opening in 1955. While they stood in line to enter the park, Walt Disney himself approached the Broggers and personally handed them tickets for free admission.

Don loved sharing stories of growing up alongside his brother and lifelong best friend, Ron. The two never left each other's side and often double-dated together. As they grew up, they continued to bond over a shared love of (and obsession with) cars. Both Don and Ron were very proud of their '57 Chevys, Don's yellow and Ron's turquoise. Don graduated from Mounds View High School in 1966, then served in the US Army Reserves (Private First Class) for 6 years.

In December 1985, Don met his future bride, Melissa, by pure happenstance while she was out on the town for her birthday. The couple married on May 23, 1987. Don was always incredibly proud of Melissa and all her achievements, and he deeply loved their son, Ben, so he was happy to spend five years as a stay-at-home dad when Ben was young. He was a dedicated father and husband who would do anything to support his family. His steady, calming presence was also a comfort to several Brogger pets throughout the years, particularly his beloved dog Kirby.

Don finished out his career at the Minikahda Club, where he worked for 18 years and retired from in 2016. One of the many pleasures he found on the job was walking out on the golf course before dawn to see the foxes running by as the sun rose over the trees. He took pride in his time working at the club, and especially delighted in organizing the annual Haunted House for Halloween. It was the perfect combination of his affection for children and fondness of playing tricks on people.

To say Don was handy would be an understatement. With an inherent love of tinkering, a knack for problem-solving, and an eye for precision, there was truly nothing he couldn't do. He was practically famous in the neighborhood for the "Don Brogger lawn" and his dedication to keeping his home and yard in tip-top shape. His neighbors also knew him as someone who was always willing to help a person in need, shoveling snow or cleaning out gutters for others without even being asked. Beyond his unending generosity, Don truly relished a good practical joke. The lifelong prankster found great fun in hiding rubber snakes and fake spiders in his house to surprise the unsuspecting friend or family member.

Don will be remembered as someone who found joy in the little moments: teaching his son how to repair something, strolling the beach collecting seashells with Melissa, or sitting on a patio with friends. Without words, he reminded people that the best parts of life don't have to be loud or flashy; sometimes they are the small things right in front of us.

Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melissa (Dennis) Brogger; son, Ben (Nicole Scilingo) Brogger; brother, Ron (Diane) Brogger; sister, LuAnne (Gale) Moe; cousin, Betty Mae Brogger; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Betty Brogger; sister, Karen.

Memorial service 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels 3960 Wooddale Avenue S., St. Louis Park, 55416. Visitation one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Donations in Don's memory can be made to the Fish Welfare Initiative https://www.fishwelfareinitiative.org/donate or a charity of your choice. Please use resources such as GiveWell (www.givewell.org) to help find charities that have the biggest direct impact with the funding they receive. Links to both can be found under the donations tab below Don's service information. The family kindly requests no flowers.