Bernie Brogan — St. Charles

Bernie D. Brogan, 87, of St. Charles, was reunited with his beloved wife, Joan, on Feb. 29, 2016. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

Bernie was born on Nov. 27, 1928, in Chatfield. He was a son to William and Dora (Pettey) Brogan. He graduated from Chatfield High School and Rochester Junior College. Bernie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Later, he served in the Minnesota National Guard. He married the love of his life and constant partner, Joan Schaber, on May 12, 1959, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. Bernie made a career as a fine jewelry buyer. He was employed with Dayton Hudson Corporation from March 1954 until 1982, when his division was sold to Henry Birks and Sons. He began his Dayton Hudson career in the Rochester office as a trainee, and then worked in Minneapolis as a buyer. He concluded his career working at Shreve Crump and Lowe in Boston. He retired in January 2002. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where he volunteered many hours of service.

Bernie loved to travel with his wife. They explored much of Europe, Russia, Asia and South America. When he lived in Rochester he was active with the Junior Chamber, serving on the board of directors. He enjoyed listening to classical music and attending concerts at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Bernie treasured time spent with his many friends, especially his New Year's Eve and grief support group in Edina. He cherished his pug Buddy, who was his sidekick watching over Bernie for many years. Bernie loved spending time with family — hosting Christmas and Gladiolus Days gatherings were his favorites. He also loved taking others out to eat, always getting dessert and coffee.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents, William and Dora; and his brothers, Joseph and Eddie.

He is survived by brother-in-law, Richard "Bubber" (Linda) Schaber; nieces and nephews, Michele "Mimi" (Duff) Hanson, Dan (Sue) Schaber, Suzanne (Doug) Schaber, Carol (Mike) Schultz, John Schaber, Jody (Tammy) Schaber, Rick (Tracie) Schaber, Mike (Laura) Schaber, Nancy (Tom) Tempel, Susie (Jack) Bordeaux, Billy Brogan, Debbie (Pete) McIntire; many great-nieces and great-nephews, Spencer, Andrew, Jake, Katie, Jordan (Alvaro), Abbie, Harper, Hayden, Kristy, Kelly (Brian), John, Chris (Stephanie), Michael (Kelly), Gavin, Hannah, and Nichole and great-great-nephew, Trae.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 7, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, with the Rev. Kurt Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with lunch to follow at the St. Charles Moose Lodge. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 6, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Service, St. Charles, and one hour prior to Mass at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the St. Charles Area Community Foundation, Box 743, St. Charles, MN 55972; or to the Midwest Pug Rescue at www.mnmidwestpugrescue.com.

Please share a memory of Bernie and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.