Monica R. Braa, age 69, of Luverne, Minn., passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Mass of christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, at St. Catherine Catholic Church. Private interment will be at St. Catherine Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne.
To view Monica’s LifeTribute or sign an online registry, please visit www. hartquistfuneral.com.
Monica Rose Braa was born on July 3, 1957, to Gerald Schreier and Lita (Holles) Schreier in Slayton, Minn. Monica lived her early days on the family farm near Currie, Minn. She was the oldest of nine children, and a great help to her mom. She attended elementary school in Currie and graduated from Tracy High School in 1975. She was involved in 4-H, completing sewing, gardening, and baking projects for many years. After high school, she attended a one-year program at Granite Falls Technical College in Granite Falls, Minn., and started working as a secretary at AR Woods in Luverne, Minn.
While at Granite Falls, she met her husband, Burdell Braa. They were married in Currie on Feb. 12, 1977. She and Burdell had three children: Matthew, Michael, and Jennifer.
The family first lived in town, and later just outside Luverne on their acreage, where Burdell raised livestock and Monica had a large garden. The kids did many activities – but all three played hockey throughout their youth and high school years. They were busy years, but Monica and Burdell always showed up to watch them play and cheer them on. In 1980, she started working as a legal secretary for lawyer Tim Connell in Luverne. When Tim became Judge Connell, Monica took a role as his Court Reporter – a role enjoyed for many years. After Tim’s retirement in 2011, she kept working for Judge Terry Vajgrt.
Monica officially retired in 2023, still occasionally doing transcript work. After retiring from her role as a Court Reporter, she and Burdell enjoyed a few winters in Texas. Social events and game nights with dear friends – particularly Mike and Cindy Kunkel and Meg and Tom Nelson – were balanced with quiet nights relaxing. It was a season of life they earned and deserved – and we only wish that they could have shared many more years together. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Monica passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, at 69 years and 15 days.
As their kids grew up, got married, and had children of their own, she excelled as “Grandma”. She adored each and every one of her grandchildren – delighting in achievements and cheering them on in activities – and always stocking toys and treats – with so much love and joy. Her monster cookies and pecan bars were a signature and a staple of almost every gathering, and containers of Christmas treats were made and shared despite her claim to “cut back this year” – and every year, somehow, the containers were just as full as ever.
Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she was equally loved in return. Monica was our beloved wife, mom, and grandma. She was the maker of family meals, giver of hugs, and keeper of order – always organized and prepared for whatever the moment or occasion required. She was warm and welcoming and the heart of the family – the one who brought everyone together and made each of us feel cared for.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Burdell; her children, Matthew (Elizabeth) Braa of Plymouth, Minn., Michael (Kaili) Braa of Eagan, Minn., and Jenny (Joel) Evans of Brandon, S.D.; her cherished grandchildren, Carter, Bennett, Mariah, Maddox, Nora, Tess, and Wyatt; siblings, Melvin Schreier of Slayton, Bob (Carol) Schreier of Currie, Vern Schreier of Cibolo, Texas, Don (Lisa) Schreier of Russell, Minn., Nancy (Troy) Fiegen of Clarkfield, Minn., Romain (Julie) Schreier of Wood Lake, Minn., Jerome (Cari) Schreier of Slayton, and Mona (Scott) Boadwine of Tracy; brother-in-law, Douglas Hasert; and three nephews, Eric Schreier, Tim Schreier and Troy Hasert. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Schreier; father-in-law, Donald Braa and mother-in-law, Marian Braa.
As Monica’s time with us on earth ends and her eternity with the Lord begins, we are reminded that the greatest legacy is often built through ordinary days lived with extraordinary kindness, generosity, and unwavering love
