Dona Marie Brand

Dona Marie (Dobrenski) Brand, 69, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Heather's Hospice House in Fargo, ND under the gentle care of HIA Hospice.

In keeping with her family's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. An open house celebration of Dona's life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the family cemetery in Essig, MN.

Dona Marie Dobrenski was born on New Year's Day, January 1, 1957, in Brookings, South Dakota, the daughter of Beverly (Bade) and Robert F. Dobrenski. She spent her early childhood in Adrian, Minnesota, before moving with her family to Detroit Lakes in 1968. Detroit Lakes would remain a place Dona proudly called home for the majority of her life.

Dona attended Detroit Lakes High School and graduated with the Class of 1975. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree and graduated on May 7, 1983.

On July 28, 1990, Dona was united in marriage to, Bernard "Bernie" Brand, in Crystal, Minnesota. Together, Dona and Bernie built a life centered around family, friendship, travel, and the many people whose lives Dona touched along the way.

Dona was a member of the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club and was active within her community. Early in her working life, she was employed at Perkins from 1983 until 1991, where she was in charge of opening new restaurants and bakeries. She later found her professional calling in the financial industry, spending the majority of her career as a financial representative with the Investment Centers of America. Through her work, Dona developed countless friendships and professional relationships that remained meaningful to her throughout her life.

Outside of work, Dona was an exceptional cook and baker. She had a natural talent in the kitchen and seemed capable of making just about anything taste wonderful. Whether she was following a familiar recipe or trying something completely new, those fortunate enough to share her table could count on it being very tasty!

Dona also had a deep affection for Denmark. During her younger years, she spent time there as a foreign exchange student, an experience that strengthened her connection to her Danish heritage and began a lifelong love for the country and its people. She returned to Denmark frequently over the years visiting her danish sister, Marianne Mortensen.

Throughout her life, Dona's heart was shared between Detroit Lakes and San Antonio, Texas. Both communities held special meaning to her and became places she considered home.

Those left to honor Dona's memory include her husband, Bernie Brand; brother, Mark (Anita) of Belgrad, MT; sister in law, Moe Brand; brothers in law, Jake (Lola) Brand and Ben (Carol) Brand; step-children, Kimberly Fuhs (Tim Carlson) of Detroit Lakes, Erik (Pam) Brand of Hudson, Wisconsin, Lee (Kerry) Brand of Brisbane, Australia, Peter (Natasha) Brand of Hawley, Craig (Cami) Brand of Nevis, and Katie (Tom) Riitters of St. Joseph; step-grandchildren, Kellie (Nick), Taylor (Ashton), Jake (Miranda), Beau, Maria, Sydney, Kalab, McKenna, Chase, Ellie, and Will; step-great grandchildren, Charlie, Crosby, Colbe, Kirbee, Kamden, Malakai, and Leo; and many nieces and nephews.

Also left to cherish Dona's memory are the many colleagues and friends she came to know throughout her career with the Investment Centers of America, as well as her special friends, Marianne Mortensen, and Soren Trumn of Denmark.

Dona was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly and Robert Dobrenski.

Dona will be remembered for her love of family, her gift for bringing people together, her adventures near and far, and the many friendships she nurtured throughout her life. From Detroit Lakes to San Antonio and across the ocean to Denmark, Dona created connections wherever life took her. Her memory will live on in the family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

In leu of flowers and memorials, the family requests you donate to a charity of your choice in Dona's name.