Loretta Loy Broberg (“Lorie”) passed away February 7, 2026. She was born in Chadron, Nebraska on August 11, 1964, to Theodore Perry Broberg and Sandy LaChance.
Memorial Services will be March 14, 2026 at 11:00am at the American Legion in Chadron, Nebraska.
Lorie spent her formative years in Chadron being raised by her stepmother, Patricia Broberg, alongside her brother, Theodore Broberg, Jr. Lorie attended Chadron Public Schools and later earned her GED in 1984.
She became a mother at a young age and welcomed her daughters, Brandi Ward in 1980 and Angelica Ward in 1982. Lorie embraced motherhood with strength, resilience, and unwavering devotion, always striving to provide the best life possible for her children.
As a single mother of two young daughters, Lorie demonstrated remarkable courage and determination by enlisting in the United States Army in 1986. She proudly served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. During her military service, Lorie was stationed in Germany and also spent time in Afghanistan. Her dedication and discipline were recognized through several honors, including the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), Marksman Badge (.38 Cal Pistol), and the Army Good Conduct Award. Lorie was honorably discharged from the Army and returned home to Chadron, Nebraska, carrying with her the strength, leadership, and resilience she gained through her service.
After leaving the military, she returned to Nebraska where Lorie continued her commitment to helping others by serving as a police officer with the Crawford Police Department and the Chadron Police Department. She was particularly passionate about supporting victims of domestic abuse, showing deep compassion, empathy, and an unwavering desire to protect those in vulnerable situations. Her work reflected the caring and courageous spirit that defined her life.
In 1993, Lorie welcomed her youngest daughter, Haylee Hansen. Inspired to continue building a better future for her family, Lorie pursued higher education at Chadron State College. Through dedication and perseverance, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1999. Demonstrating her determination and love of learning, Lorie continued her education and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Chadron State College in 2001. Her passion for knowledge and leadership eventually led her to earn a Doctorate in Organizational Management from Capella University in 2011.
While pursuing her education, Lorie began working at Oglala Lakota College, where she initially served as a professor teaching business courses. Her intelligence, work ethic, and leadership abilities quickly became evident, and she later rose to the position of Vice President. After leaving Oglala Lakota College, Lorie continued her work in higher education at tribal colleges in Nebraska and Iowa, serving in roles including Vice President of Teaching and Chief Financial Officer. She was deeply committed to education and took great pride in helping students and institutions succeed.
Lorie was loved deeply by her family and friends and will be profoundly missed. She was intelligent, accomplished, compassionate, and remarkably resilient. Those who knew her admired her strength, her determination, and her ability to uplift and support others. She had a generous heart and continuously sought ways to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
Lorie had a special love for animals and was an enthusiastic animal rescuer. She adored her Pomeranian, Tatiana, and her three cats. Lorie never hesitated to take in stray kittens or cats, nursing them back to health and helping them find loving homes. Her kindness toward animals reflected the deep compassion she carried throughout her life.In her free time, Lorie enjoyed bowling, watching reality television, solving Sudoku puzzles, and spending time with her family. She treasured these moments and found great joy in the company of those she loved.
Lorie will always be remembered for her warm smile, witty sense of humor, quiet thoughtfulness, and genuine kindness. Her strength, intelligence, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lorie is survived by her spouse, Charles (“Charlie”) Gottwald; her children, Brandi Ward (Logan Weyand), Angelica Ward (James Lind), and Haylee Hansen (Amir Capistran); her stepchildren, Cassandra Dede, Chandler Gottwald, and Teresa Gottwald; her grandchildren, Karsten Norgard, Truli Norgard, Scarlett Cook, and Kristallin Biernacki; her stepmother, Patricia Broberg-Davy (James Davy); her siblings, Theodore Broberg, Jr. (Jana Broberg), Jolynn Lee (Todd Lee), Jefferson Broberg (Stephanie Broberg), Elonna Broberg, Tonya Pierson (Scott Pierson), and Thomas Taylor; and her many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Theodore (“Tedd”) Perry Broberg, Sr.; her beloved grandmother, Mary Lecher; her biological mother, Sandy LaChance; and numerous uncles.