Vilma Brochhagen

Vilma Anna (Semmler) Brochhagen, age 92, of Backus, passed away on November 2, 2019, at Lakewood Care Center in Staples, MN. She was born December 6, 1926, in Ree Heights, SD, to John and Emelie Semmler. Vilma and her twin brother, Vilo, were the youngest of 11 children. Early in her life, the family moved to the Pine River area where she attended school.
Vilma met and married Louis Brochhagen on August 22, 1947. They were married 54 years until his death on July 28, 2001.
Vilma was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus and enjoyed participating in Bible study and quilting. The donation of dozens of her legendary home baked “crispies” and sets of hand embroidered dish towels to the church’s annual rummage sale will be missed by many.
Vilma Vilma was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emelia Semmler; husband, Louis Brochhagen; brothers: Leonard, Theodore, Theophil and Vilo; sisters: Agnes, LaVerne, Alma, Elsa and Violet. She is survived by her children: Steven (Susan) Brochhagen of Petoskey, MI, Cheryl (Douglas) Crosby of Longville, Craig Brochhagen of Longville, Thomas Brochhagen of Backus; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin Semmler of rural Backus; and many nieces and nephews.
Vilma’s gentle, kind and generous nature will be remembered by all who knew her and greatly cherished by her children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 AM on Saturday, November 9, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Ponto Lake Cemetery.