Jon Gregory Broin

1955 - 2024

Kenyon, Minnesota - Jon (JB) Broin passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN following a two and one-half year long, hard-fought battle with multiple health issues.

Jon was born on December 24, 1955, at District One Hospital in Faribault to Hank (A.H.) and Marjorie (Lehman) Broin. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Kenyon. He was a 1974 graduate of Kenyon High School. While attending high school, Jon worked for Bob Dyrdahl Painting and Ugland Construction. He participated and excelled in any sport he played, including baseball, football, and basketball, being selected HVL All-Conference in the latter two. He often talked about the Stewartville and New Prague football games, especially while reminiscing with Jon "Whitey" Held. It was amazing all of the details those two could remember from those games 40+ years ago. One of his proudest moments was being part of the 1973 Kenyon Football Team inducted into the KW Hall of Fame; a night he said he would never forget.

Following high school, JB enlisted in the United States Navy, where he completed Basic Training in San Diego, CA. He attended schooling in Meridian, MS, graduating as a "Store Keeper." JB was eventually stationed in Norfolk, VA where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Concord Supply Ship. He made many trips to the Mediterranean Sea. While on duty, he visited Naples, Athens, Barcelona, Morocco, and Nice. A highlight for JB was pulling up alongside and replenishing the U.S.S. Nimitz. Once he was back home, JB proudly joined the Kenyon Volunteer Color Guard.

Following his career in the Navy, JB married Julie Aase on September 8, 1979. They made their home in Kenyon for their entire 45 year marriage. In April of 1992, they were blessed with a daughter, Margaret Jane (Maggie), who was his bud. Being very interested in sports, JB and John Whipple coached the girls' basketball team in the 5th and 6th grade. He enjoyed coaching and was very proud of his girls.

JB worked for Milo Peterson Ford as a mechanic for many years; then for Jon Held as a salesman, and then back to Peterson Ford in Parts and Service. Upon his retirement, Jon worked at KW Schools as a janitor. He loved talking with the students and teachers, leaving every day at 4:30 a.m., whistling as he went to work.

In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, playing pool and golfing, but his true passion was fishing. He took several fly trips in to Canada, a house boat trip to Lake of the Woods (thanks, Kirk), and many family trips to Brainerd. His favorite fishing trips were to Cass Lake and Ricky's cabin. JB also enjoyed following the local pro teams and then discussing the games with brother-in-law, Bob. JB bled purple, being a die-hard Vikings' fan.

Jon is survived by his wife, Julie, his daughter Maggie (Brennen Neuburger), and his favorite little buddy, grandson Brooks Jon Glen Neuburger. We are blessed that he was able to see Brooks each and every day of Maggie's twelve-week maternity leave. He truly cherished that time. He also is survived by his sisters, Anita Dutton of Owatonna, and Pat Stadler of Faribault along with brothers, Dan (Carol) of Rosemount, Chuck (Lori) of Prior Lake, and Bob of Kenyon; sisters Deb of Kenyon, and Kris (Ron) Mills of Prior Lake, along with many special nieces and nephews. We can't forget his loving St. Bernard, Luella. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his in-laws, David and Jane Aase; brother-in-law, Larry Dutton, sister-in-law, Mary Vangsness, niece Pamela Stadler and infant daughter, Theresa Broin.

Thank you to the staff at MN Health East Bank, St. John's Hospital, Bethesda Hospital, and especially to Dr. McGreevy, who Jon said was "a good guy." We would also like to thank the staff at the Northfield Wound Clinic, and to Lainey and Heidi from Northfield Home Care. Although Jon may not have always showed it, he did appreciate their many months of care.

A Celebration of Jon's life will be held on Sunday, February 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Kenyon VFW, and everyone is welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.