Obituary of Donald Wallace Brekke

Donald Wallace Brekke, “Wally”, passed away surrounded by family on June 22, 2021. Wally was born May 8, 1935 to Mabel and Lars Brekke in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of four children including siblings Marilyn, Robert and Darrell.

Wally grew up on the family farm near Lanesboro, Minnesota. After the death of his father when Wally was still a teenager, he left the farm to work in the Twin Cities and to pursue a girl who had moved there from “down-home”. He married Judy (Evenson) on March 8, 1959.

Wally was a heavy equipment operator for Bor-Son construction and a proud Local 49 union member for 38 years. Although his formal education was brief, he never stopped learning. He knew a little bit about everything. Wally's biggest hobbies were keeping a beautiful lawn and spending time with his kids and grandkids. His love language was not words, but actions. He would start your car on a cold day and slip you some cash, “just in case”. Wally was the one to go to for advice about cars, the best gas prices and how to fix most anything.

Wally could be a strict dad but ended up being just the opposite as a grandpa. He loved to listen to every adventure of his 11 grandkids. His laughter was contagious as he was often brought to happy tears hearing about the escapades, naughty or nice. He especially loved the naughty ones. 

Wally was a great friend to many and was dubbed the “mayor” of his Florida community as he seemed to know and remember everyone. He loved morning coffee with the men no matter if he was home in Bloomington or in Florida. He could be a hard person to shop for as he did not have much need for material things. 

You would never find Wally without the two silver dollars he kept in his pocket, along with a hanky and a pack of gum. He is already missed, but his legacy will live strong through his kids, grandkids and great grandson. We love you grandpa Wally. We’ll “yack at ya later!” 

Wally is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert and Darrell. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; his sister, Marilyn (Overland); his children Jodi (Peter) Potter, Chad (Lori) Brekke, Joy (Todd) Sesker, Janae (Tony) Porthan. His grandchildren are Kristian and Hannah Potter, Lydia and Clara Brekke, Morgan, Mckenzie and Madison Sesker, Sam, Lily, Gabe and Mabel Porthan and great grandson William Langsdorf; many nieces and nephews and close extended family. 

Memorial service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 29. A visitation will proceed the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Memorials may be sent to support the ongoing ministry of  Atonement Lutheran Church where Wally was a member for many years.