DONALD STEPHEN BRAKE, age 91, of Worthington, died Sunday, May 26, 2024, at his home. He was born on December 14, 1932, the oldest of four sons, to Joseph and Clara (Einck) Brake on the William Einck farm south of Wilmont, MN. Don began his early education in St. Kilian, MN before attending Worthington High School.

Don met Doris Wittry, the love of his life, at a dance at the Ritz ballroom in Lismore. They were united in marriage at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore, MN on May 26, 1953.

Don entered the service in the United States Navy on January 2, 1952. He attended Boot Camp at Great Lakes, IL. After Boot Camp he was assigned to Treasure Island, CA for training in Radar and Radar Operations. Don was assigned to the USS Los Angeles CA 135 serving in the Korean conflict in the Western Pacific. Don was honorably discharged on his birthday, Dec. 14, 1955. He had earned the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5). He was awarded the Korean Defense Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal and United Nations Defense Medal.

After Don's discharge from the United States Navy, he came home to the farm just north of St. Kilian where he farmed the land that he loved and raised livestock. Don had many hobbies over the years including playing cards, fishing, golfing, dancing and picking asparagus. He and Doris retired and moved into Wilmont in 1990, wintering in TX for many years and making many life-long friends.

Don was a member of St. Kilian Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Pacholl-Moser Post 2603 VFW in Wilmont, MN and the Schaap-Galagan American Legion Post 636 in Lismore, MN. Don served on many boards over the years including the Lismore Farmers Union, Western Coop, Wilmont Elevator and St. Kilian Parish Council.

Don resided at Ecumen Meadows since 2017. As Don's memory continued to fail him, he was always looking for Doris. On Sunday May 26th (their 71st wedding anniversary) Don finally found her, as he was called to his Heavenly home. We can only imagine the wonderful reunion they are enjoying together.

Don is lovingly remembered by his six children, Doug (Marie) Brake, Worthington; Deb (Jeff) Brockberg, Pipestone; Jeff (Marlene) Brake, Bradenton, FL; Steve (Mary) Brake, Wilmont; Jerry (Julie) Brake, Wilmont; and Sharon (Walter) Brundy, Lompoc, CA; seventeen grandchildren; twenty seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ivan (Betty) Brake, Luverne; and Ray (Audrey) Brake, Wilmont; and sister-in-law, Judy Brake, Worthington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest brother Elmer, and his wife, Doris, in June of 2021.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday, June 5, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in St. Kilian; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at St. Kilian Catholic Church, in St. Kilian, officiated by Monsignor Richard Colletti. Burial will be in the St. Kilian Cemetery.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Wilmont, is in charge of arrangements.