DOLORES "DODE" BRABEC

Dolores “Dode” Jean Brabec, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul. She was 90 years old.

Dode was born on October 9, 1935, and was adopted at 17 months old by Edward and Mathilda “Tillie” (Gritzmacher) Stien. In Dode’s own words, “This was the best thing that ever happened to me, as I grew up surrounded by loving parents, wonderful aunts and uncles, and lots of great cousins.”

In her childhood, Dode enjoyed visiting her family on their farms, riding horses, and playing the trumpet. Her father, Edward, worked for the railroad, which brought unique opportunities to ride the train to many places in the country. Her mother, Tillie, taught Dode how to bake, cook, and sew - and encouraged her to be independent. Dode’s parents were very special to her.

Dode went to St. Cloud teacher college and was then an elementary school teacher in Aurora, Minnesota. She met Robert “Bob” James Brabec, who worked in Hoyt Lakes, and she knew there was something special about this guy. They were married on June 23, 1956, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and welcomed their son, Bruce, on May 4, 1957. Together they lived in Stillwater, Minnesota and then moved to Braham.

Dode was an active member of her church, Braham Evangelical Lutheran, where she served in many capacities, from baking pies, tying quilts, and helping where she could. Outside of church, Dode had many friends she loved spending time with. Some of their favorite activities included going out for breakfast and playing lots and lots of card games. If Dode had her way, she would play cards and eat French Toast and bacon all day, every day!

Dode also loved spending time with her family. When her granddaughter, Ashley, was young, she and Bob drove an hour each way to cheer her on during her fastpitch softball games. Dode was also very intentional about making Christmas cookies a yearly tradition. This started when Ashley was young, and continued with Dode’s great grandchildren, Max and Veda. She loved sharing her joy of baking with family recipes.

Our family’s cabin holds a special place in our hearts. Many memories were made there through multiple generations. Highlights of those times for Dode include our 4th of July celebration, pontoon rides, listening to the loons, Twin’s baseball, shaking her head (and maybe hands) at “Those darn jet skis” that were too loud, and all the wonderful laughs and meals we shared.

Dode was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Mathilda “Tillie” (Gritzmacher) Stien, husband Robert “Bob” James Brabec, and son Bruce Edward Brabec.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law Jane Brabec; granddaughter, Ashley (Jason) Colvin; great grandchildren Max and Veda; half-brother Rick Audette; sister-in-law Delores (Bernie) Karulak; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Braham Ev. Lutheran Church with Dr. Suzanne Begin officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church.

A luncheon will immediately follow the service.

A private inurnment will be held in the spring at the Rice Lake Cemetery in Braham.

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