Donald Harold Broten

Donald Harold Broten, age 87, passed away at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, surrounded by his family on Friday, June 24, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 800 Bluff St. N.E., Hutchinson. The family will greet friends at church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will be held at the church for family and friends following the committal at Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson. Donald Harold Broten, age 87, passed away at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, surrounded by his family on Friday, June 24, 2016. He was born on September 18, 1928 in Litchfield, Minnesota to parents Harold and Olive (Nelson) Broten, who had immigrated to the United States from Brandval, Norway. Don was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Spicer. He received his education through District 15 Litchfield School and District 82 Stearns County School. He also attended Paynesville High School where he played on the football team. Don was raised on the family farm located on the shores of Lake Koronis, where he became a strong swimmer and avid fisherman. The family later moved to a farm east of Litchfield, which he farmed alongside his father. On December 14, 1950 he married Vonnie M. Poore and together they had seven children. On October 1, 1958 they moved to Hutchinson and joined Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Don was employed by the City of Hutchinson for 31 years. He also worked for Tri-County Water Conditioning and H.C. Christians Dried Milk Plant. He retired on July 1, 1993. After retirement he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and the Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and Information Desk. Don and Vonnie enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, traveling to northern Minnesota and several other states. They also spent several winters traveling to Arizona in their RV. Through his love of farming he enjoyed tending to his magnificent gardens. One of Don and Vonnie's favorite fall activities was sharing in the canning of the produce from their gardens. They also enjoyed watching many sports together. He was especially passionate about spending time visiting with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Vonnie; children: Linda (Jack) Zachow, Darrel (Debra) Broten, Marcia (Mark) Betker, Patricia (James) Wheeler, James Broten (Deborah Hedtke), Robin (Sean) Kennedy and Jason (DeAnna) Broten; grandchildren: Stacy (Mark), Karl, Jessica (Michael), Matthew, Heather, Joshua (Nicole), Jacob (Dana), Joseph, Brooke (Jason), Blake (Samantha), Brittney (Travis), Benjamin, Zachary, Danielle, Marissa, Ava and Alexa; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Adam, Drake, Liam and Amelia, Louie and Lennox, Zoe, Raeleigh, Maddoxx and Jaxxen; step grandchildren: Blake and Mason, and Georgia and Dakota; special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vernon and Rosan Poore. He is blessed with many more remarkable relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Olive Broten, brothers Henry and Ernest Broten, sisters Mildred McCadden, Esther Martinson and Olga Fenske, and his best friend and beloved dog Abby. ""For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."" John 3:16Previous Events Visitation Friday, July 1, 2016 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Our Savior's Lutheran Church 800 Bluff St. N.E., Hutchinson, MN Visitation Friday, July 1, 2016 11:00 AM Our Savior's Lutheran Church 800 Bluff St. N.E., Hutchinson, MN