St. Charles, Mn - Jeffrey Broberg passed away on April 12.

A neighbor to all Minnesotans. A husband. A brother. A friend. An uncle. Environmentalist. Geologist. Hydrologist. Farmer/Gardner. Trout fisherman. Hunter. Gourmet cook. Outdoorsman. Wilderness camper. Forager. Art collector. Maple syrup maker. Teacher. Story teller. Life-long student.

To countless admirers, Jeff was a hero. If the definition of a hero is one who overcomes great obstacles and hardships, and yet perseveres and then sacrifices one's self in order to perform works that benefit others, then Jeff qualifies as a hero.

Jeff's obstacles are not widely known. Growing up he experienced extreme poverty in a neighborhood known for violence, crime, and gang activity. His father died when Jeff was a teenager. Jeff also overcame dyslexia, undiagnosed until later in his life. Nevertheless, he earned a bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Minnesota. He experienced DDT poisoning, and later, Lyme disease, both with long, debilitating recovery times. Later in life, he developed mobility issues that required him to wear leg braces in order to walk.

These are not the attributes and conditions one would mark as a recipe for future success. Yet none of these issues stopped him. He went on to become became one of the State's leading environmentalists, with an emphasis residents rights to clean, chemical-free water. Thousands of Minnesotans benefit from his efforts. To illustrate his selfless civic commitment and successes, please reference the following newspaper/online articles:

Outdoor News, Apr. 22. Rochester Post Bul. Apr. 17, 2025, John Molseed. Star/Tribune May 3-4, 2025, Jill Burcum, op/ed columnist. Star/Tribune May 5, 2025, Trey Mews. One of hundreds of stories about Jeff: Growing up, his grandparents were deep friends with a native American couple. Spending summers on his grandparents farm near Webster, Wi, Jeff acquired knowledge, empathy and a lifelong interest in native culture. He was most gratified to be able to work with the White Earth Nation to fight for environmental safeguards, as well as the subsequent fights for remedial action over the Enbridge pipeline. As a result, he was given a tribal name, waadookawaad amiawag (Those who help beaver). He was subsequently invited to experience the wild rice harvest and processing, and remained a friend to the Nation to his last day.

As a teacher, he honed his storytelling skills to reach all Minnesotans, from school children to fellow scientists. He would speak captivatingly to residents in schools, town halls, tribal meetings, courthouses and at the Capitol.

Jeff is survived by Erica, his wife of 48 years, as well as his brothers, Steven (Sherry), Bruce (Teresa), and Bradley, along with devoted nieces and nephews.

Jeffrey Broberg was an influencer without a desire for fame.

A celebration of life will be held in Minneapolis at The Hook and Ladder on Sunday, May 18 from 1-4 p.m. Bring your Jeff stories.