Rev. John A. Bromeland

Reverend John Arnold Bromeland, 80, of Albert Lea, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. John was born on March 25, 1945, to Arnold and Jean Bromeland in San Diego, CA. Soon after his birth, the family moved back to Minnesota where John grew up on the family farm near Frost, the eldest of six children. The family was very active in North Blue Earth Lutheran Church. John graduated from Frost High School, then attended Mankato State College. He served in the U.S. Army 45th Field Hospital Unit in Italy. After his discharge, he remained in Italy for Christian missions outreach to U.S. Army personnel and Italian students. Returning to the U.S., John completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Mankato State. There, he met the love of his life, Jodell Lee Erickson, and they were married on June 30, 1973, at Sunrise United Methodist in Moundsview. They then resided in Eugene, Oregon, where he was a social worker for Holt International Children’s Services until returning to Minnesota to attend Bethel Seminary.

John was appointed to serve at LeCenter and Cleveland United Methodist churches as a seminary student, and was fully ordained in 1980. He was also blessed to be appointed to churches in Chisholm-Buhl, St. Paul, Rochester and Albert Lea, retiring at Albert Lea United Methodist Church in 2010. John loved to sing and play guitar, and he led many sing-a-longs among family, friends and church communities. He enjoyed family vacations, time at the family cabin up North, hunting & fishing, camping, road trips and traveling. John lived his faith, continuing to serve through his hospital chaplaincy and prison ministries beyond retirement. He leaves a legacy of cherished memories of his kindness, his humor, his good works, his music, and his steadfast faith.

John is survived by his wife Jodi of 52 years, also their children Shawn (Sara) Bromeland, Joya (Khaled) Musa, Jennie (Jason) Bromeland-Reeves, Aaron (Jennifer Van Gerpen) Bromeland, many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his five siblings. John was preceded in death by one son, Danny. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Jean Bromeland; parents-in-law, Eugene and Donna Erickson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albert Lea United Methodist Church, United Methodist Committee on Relief, or Albert Lea Youth for Christ.

John's family will host a memorial service on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Albert Lea United Methodist Church, 702 S. Highway 69, Albert Lea, with Pastor Gad Maiga officiating. The family will receive friends at a visitation to be held from 12 - 2 PM prior to the service at church.