Jerome Michael Brazier, 74

With broken hearts, we are sad to inform you that our devoted father, Jerome Michael Brazier, age 74, of Norwood Young America (formerly of Greenbush, MN), passed away on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, at Lake Ridge Lakeside Oasis in Buffalo, MN. Jerome was born on November 26, 1950, in Roseau, MN, the son of Frank and Genevieve (Emery) Brazier, and brother to Ronnie, Jack, and Colleen. Growing up on the farm, his early years were spent outdoors, enjoying the sandpiles and swimming holes, playing pinochle with Colleen and the Brazier cousins across the road. Wrestling was his high school sport, along with courting Barb, whom he had a crush on since the 4th grade.

On January 4, 1969, Jerome wed his high school sweetheart, Barbara J. Johnson, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenbush. Together, they built a loving family, including Kimberly, Jason, Kristin, Jed, and Kiley. Over 53 years, they were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, each of whom was very much loved and doted on.

Jerome had an infectious smile and a larger-than-life personality. His purpose in life was to live with integrity and always do what he could to help others. He was a true steward of giving, and his generous heart led him to gift the coat off his back, new shoes out of the box, furniture from his home, and so much more to those in need—literally. He lived with deep faith and loyalty to all. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fishers of Men group in Victoria, where he found a faith-filled connection after relocating to the Twin Cities area and led the rosary in the historic church weekly.

Jerome loved spending time at the cabin, which was decorated straight out of Cabin Life magazine. His prized cabin décor was hunted and gathered through antiquing, and swap meets. Time on the lake with family and friends, fishing, and taking long boat rides were essential to him. He loved giving thoughtful gifts and often hunted for the perfect treasure after hearing someone’s desire—so you’d better watch what you wished for. Road trips with Barb, country music concerts, and volunteering at church filled his time. He was an avid reader and had a collection that would rival the Greenbush library.

Jerome was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and never missed bringing treats—think ice cream, ice-cold Coke, or whatever the kids’ parents said they didn’t need. He was wonderful at affirming how proud he was of each and every one of them, each and every time he saw or spoke with them.

Jerome was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara; their twin sons, Jared and Jordan (January 1, 1978); his parents, Frank and Genevieve Brazier; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wallace and Mavis Johnson; brothers Ronnie (Charles) and Jack (John) Brazier; sister-in-law, Alice Brazier Conover; and niece, Bess Lorenson.

Jerome is survived by his loving children: Kimberly Brazier of Prior Lake, Jason (Bonni) Brazier of Lino Lakes, Kristin (Richard) Belin of Loretto, Jed Brazier of Fargo, ND, and Kiley (Dustin) Benz of Waconia; grandchildren: Sebastian Bergeron, Briana (Cameron) Groff, Henry and Frank Brazier, Morgan, Samantha, and Gabriella Belin, Jackson Reitmeier, Kate Brazier, Chloe, Blair, and Harlow Benz; great-grandchildren Beckett and Olivia Groff; sister Colleen (Duane) Lorenson of Greenbush; sister-in-law Beth Brazier of Prior Lake; brother-in-law Russell Johnson of Dallas, TX; Forrest (Mary Lou) Johnson of Warroad; and sister-in-law Karyl (Keith) Langaas of Strathcona.

We will honor our Jerome at the following two services with luncheons to follow.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 28th at 11 AM. at St. Victoria Catholic Church, Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5th at 10:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush, MN. 56726

Visitation will be held on hour prior to services at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush.

Interment services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery in Greenbush following services.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com 

 Collins Funeral Home