Donald Vraa

Donald Gene Vraa was born on January 28, 1952, in Thief River Falls,
MN, to Herbert and Marion (Erickson) Vraa. He was baptized and
confirmed at Ekelund Lutheran Church in rural Goodridge, MN. He
attended school in Goodridge and graduated in 1970.
In the fall of 1970, Donnie enlisted with the United States Army, 82nd
Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his
service, he completed his airborne course with an impressive 21 jumps.
His dedication and commitment to his country reflected his strong
values and sense of duty. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Donnie
then attended NWTC in Thief River Falls for two years in the welding
program.
On May 25, 1974, Donnie was united in marriage to Berny Horachek at
St. Ann's Catholic Church in Goodridge, officiated by Father Marsh and
Reverend Anderson. Together, they built their home west of Herbert and
Marion's homestead in 1979. They raised their two daughters, Lesley
and Courtney, and were blessed with five grandchildren, Brooklyn,
Jaxon, Jorja, Chesney, and Hudson, creating countless cherished
memories over the years.
A lifelong farmer, Donnie nurtured the land with dedication and care.
His passion for agriculture was matched by his remarkable skills in
welding, mechanic work, carpentry, and many other numerous interests
that he was never afraid to tackle. Donnie was the most caring man,
always willing to help others. He loved to visit with friends and family,
but unfortunately the challenges of Parkinson’s silenced the things he
enjoyed the most.
Donnie was a member of Ekelund Lutheran Church. He was also a
member of the Goodridge Veterans Memorial Park Committee, honoring
fellow service members. He dedicated 21 years as a board member of
the Farmers Coop Elevator, contributing to the agricultural industry and
supporting local farmers.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Berny; daughters, Lesley (Jeff)
Brouse and Courtney (Jason) Salo; five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Jaxon,
Jorja, Chesney, and Hudson; siblings, Gary (Valerie) Vraa, David Vraa,
Richard Vraa, and Marilyn (Robert) Miller; mother-in-law, Eleanor
Horachek; sisters-in-law, Susie (Larry) Johnsrud and Fern Johnsrud;
nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. His legacy
lives on through the love of his family and the memories shared by all
who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Marion; sister, Susan
Eck; grandparents, Selmer and Bertha Erickson and Gilbert and Helen
Vraa; and father-in-law, Donald Horachek; brother-in-law, Gerald
Johnsrud; several aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members, and
friends.
A service to honor Donnie’s life will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday,
June 12, 2025, at Ekelund Lutheran Church, rural Goodridge, MN, with
visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Czech
National Cemetery, rural Goodridge, MN.
Donald Gene Vraa, age 73, of Goodridge, MN, passed away peacefully
on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River
Falls, MN, with his loving family by his side.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com