On the family farm in Marystown, MN, Donald Raymond graced this world on Wednesday, February 12, 1930, to the most loving and understanding parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Dietrich) Breeggemann. The eleventh of twelve children, he enjoyed gardening with his mother, working the fields with the horses and sneaking into the car when his dad went to town. After graduating from the eighth grade at Marystown School, Donald stayed home to help on his dad’s and older brothers’ farms.
In April of 1952, Donald met his wife to be, Marian Bernice Bendzick at a wedding dance in Chaska. Their love truly grew for each other and on Tuesday, February 15, 1955, they exchanged wedding vows at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, MN. They were blessed with seven children, Henry, Mark, Jane, Karen, Elizabeth, Anthony and Andrew.
Honored to be the one God chose to love and care for the land of his great-grandfather, William Brueggemann, Donald and Marian later purchased the homestead, which was established in 1854. As a family, they milked cows, raised pigs and chickens and tended to the crops. In 1971, Donald’s dream came true, when they expanded the barn and established a registered Holstein farm. He was proud of his success as a farmer and his family’s commitment to his dream. Donald took great pride in breeding, raising and showing championship livestock.
An active and life-long member of St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church of Marystown, Donald was also a member of Pheasants Forever, Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony Society, and many other community and farm related associations and boards throughout his years.
A faithful servant of the God, Donald was a compassionate, dedicated and loyal husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He had a contagious smile and amazing morals and values. A life-long resident of Marystown, Donald, age 82, entered God’s arms, with his loving family present on the evening of Saturday, April 14, 2012. One of his wishes was to take his last breath in the same room that he took his first in, that wish was granted.
Cherished and loved forever, Donald will be deeply missed by his wife of 57 blessed years, Marian; children, Henry “Hank” (Carol) Breeggemann of Shakopee, Mark (Sandy) Breeggemann of Shakopee, Jane (Randy) Oldenburg of Belle Plaine, Karen (Dean) Bohn of Shakopee, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Ron) Benz of Prior Lake, Anthony “Tony” (Jean) Breeggemann of Shakopee, Andrew “Andy” (Donna) Breeggemann of Jordan; grandchildren, Josh Oldenburg, Jennifer (Matt) Smith, Bradley (Katie) Breeggemann, Elisha (Jake) Theisen, Theodore (Hannah) Breeggemann, Carissa (Malcolm) Hubbert, Holly (Luke) McMahon, Jason (Lindsay) Breeggemann, Joshua Breeggemann, Tara Breeggemann, Laura Oldenburg, Julie Oldenburg, Abigail Bohn, Danielle Breeggemann, Emily Bohn, Mikaela Breeggemann, Nicholas Benz, Jacob Benz, Karly Breeggemann; great-grandchildren, Malcolm Jr, Johnny, Christopher, Alyssa, and Destinee Hubbert, Natalie Theisen, Caden Breeggemann, Lacey Breeggemann, Dominic Smith, Lucia Bohn; sisters, Loretta Solheid of Belle Plaine, Mary (Dick) Klehr of Belle Plaine; brother, Albert (Helen) Breeggemann of Shakopee; sisters-in-law, Severin Breeggemann of Shakopee, Margaret Breeggemann of Shakopee; many other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Roman (Tillie) Breeggemann, Frank “Fritz“ (Toots) Breeggemann, Rosanna (Alois) Theis, Lawrence Breeggemann, Alvira (Andrew) Menke, Joseph (Rita) Breeggemann, Clarence “Dan” Breeggemann, Leon Breeggemann; brothers-in-law, Ted Klehr and LeRoy Solheid.
Pall bearers for Donald will be his grandsons, Josh Oldenburg, Brad, Ted, Jason and Josh Breeggemann, Nick and Jacob Benz.
The visitation will be on Tuesday, April 17th from 3-8 pm and 9:30-10:45 am prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 18th at 11 a.m., all at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church of Marystown, 15850 Marystown Road, Shakopee. Father Jim Schoenberger, Thomas Boedy, Gene Pouliot and Deacon Jim Pufahl will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s of Marystown Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Donald’s memory by the family.
The Breeggemann family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee Chapel.
