Mary Ellen Brosonski

Mary Ellen Brosonski age 79 of Yankton, SD passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026 at her residence. Memorial services will be 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Ron Kachena officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD. On line condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com. To view Mary Ellen’s service by live stream please click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/PN6W6

She was born on 10/30/1946 to Emery and Marjorie (Gemmill) Curtice in Yankton, South Dakota. She was the 4th of 9 children. She grew up mostly in Yankton, South Dakota, attending grade school at Sacred Heart and high school at Yankton High, graduating in 1964. She was active in many activities in high school. She attended Nursing school at Mount Marty College, graduating in 1968.

After graduating college, MaryEllen married Charles Brosonski May 18, 1968. Charlie and MaryEllen were married for 25 years until his death in 1994.

MaryEllen met the second love of her life, Johnny Johnston and they were married on September 28, 2003 and were together until his death in 2014.

MaryEllen worked as an ICU nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital for 40 years. She was known for her tenacity and dedication. She assisted in teaching many nursing students. While working at Sacred heart, she went on to earn her master's degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha

She loved watching her children and grandchildren grow and become the people they are now.

MaryEllen is survived by her children, Jamie Purzol (Mike Kayl) Gregory, SD, Duke Brososnki (Sioux Falls, SD), her grandchildren, Ly (Lukas) Stoebner (Mitchell, SD), Vincent Purzol (Gregory, SD), Isabella Purzol (Vermillion, SD), Ian Brosonski (Sioux Falls, SD) and Ivy Brosonski (Sioux Falls, SD). Brothers and sisters ; Laurence (Larry) Curtice, Robert (Bob) Curtice, Chuck (Laura) Curtice, Rick (Donna) Curtice, Pat (Ben) Hartogs, Don Curtice and Jane (Wayne) Smith. And many very loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands, Charlie and Johnny, her older sister Geri Ann. - And she will be missed by many.