Michael A. Brorson, 77, of Deer River, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. 

Michael Alan Brorson was born February 21, 1949 in Deer River, Minnesota, the son of Georgena Faith (Bevins) and Theodore Hjalmer Brorson.  Mike’s family moved to Frazee, Minnesota where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1967. In December 1967, Mike joined the United States Air Force and served his country until June 1973.  Following his military service, he worked as a heavy equipment operator at Rajala Timber.  He later began working at Deer River Telephone which merged with Paul Bunyan Communications.  At Paul Bunyan, Mike worked his way from installation to being a supervisor, retiring in 2004 when he was 55 years old.  

Mike met SaDonna D. Klos who he affectionally called “Sadie” in the summer of 1973 and after whirlwind romance, were married October 27, 1973.  They made their home in Deer River where Mike had provisions and soon were given an opportunity to purchase lake property just outside of Deer River that continues to be “home” today.  Mike and Sadie welcomed one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth into their family who they loved so much.  He became “Papa” to his special granddaughter, Lily in 2004.

Mike can be thought of as a true hippie at heart!  To this day, Mike enjoyed Volkswagens – both the vintage VW Vans and the VW Beetles.  He was constantly working to repair and restore VWs, keeping some as his prized possessions.  Mike was often noticed around town driving his “VW Hippie Van” with the infamous Christmas story lamp visible for everyone to see. He was also a rock hound being an avid agate hunter.   His agate searches took him throughout the Northern Minnesota region and he even made his way to an unplanned Canadian rock hunt!  Mike was a disciplined runner. He became a marathon runner completing the Twin Cities Marathon 13 times and was proud to have run in the Boston Marathon.  He also ran ultra marathons – races that had the distance between 50 and 100 miles.  Proudly, Mike completed more than 50 marathons in his life.  He also enjoyed participating in triathlons. As strange as it may seem, Mike enjoyed White Castle sliders and frequently bought a White Castle Suitcase of 50 sliders for home.

Most recently, he became an incredible dog dad to his rescued pal, “Bert the Bulldog.”  Bert and Mike had a special connection and they truly were inseparable. Following Bert’s death, Mike decided it was time for another English Bulldog to join their family.  In February 2026, Mike brought home, not one but two English Bulldogs “Waldo” and “Winnie” as he could not leave either behind!  Waldo and Winnie will continue in Mike’s spirit to provide Sadie much companionship and love knowing Mike chose them both.  

Mike is deeply missed by his wife and soulmate of 52 years, SaDonna “Sadie”; his daughter, Sarah Brorson; granddaughter, Lily Higginbotham along with Luke Spearman; his only sister, Kathryn Kempainen; nieces, Mehgan (David) Andrzejewski, Caitlin Kempainen, and Emily (Zach Thurow) Kempainen; his brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Joyce Klos and their children, Jonathan (Sarah) Klos and Jennifer Miller; other relatives and many friends.  

He was preceded in death by his closest companion, Bert the Bulldog; his parents, Ted and Jean Brorson; brother-in-law, Paul Kempainen; and his father and mother-in-law, Harold and Marguerite Klos.   

A Celebration to honor Mike will be held at Deer River United Methodist Church, 27 1st Avenue NE, Deer River, Minnesota at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.  A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:00 PM.  In Mike’s honor, wear tie dye or anything that reminds you of the hippie days of the past. 

Mike will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota at a later time. 

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.