Anna Broker Malone, age 95, passed away peacefully Friday, November 1, at Monroe Manor in Barron.  She was born May 9, 1924 to John and Barbara Heintz in rural Arland.  She grew up on the farm, went to school in Poskin, and graduated from there with an 8th-grade education.

In 1945, she was hired by Postmaster Esther Hill as a “helper” for the Poskin Post Office.  In 1946, she married Elmer Broker, and they farmed north of Poskin for 21 years.  Her love of family, farm, and country showed in her ability to cultivate a huge garden and work alongside Elmer in the fields, all while raising eight children.  She became Postmaster at Poskin in 1967.  In 1968, she and Elmer bought the “Poskin Coffee Shop” (Elmer’s Coffee Shop) which also housed the Post Office.  With this adventure, she juggled her Postmaster duties, cooking for a restaurant full of hungry farmers, and raising children.  She and Elmer traveled every year to the National Post Office Convention where she never failed to return to say “They always think he’s the Postmaster!”  After the death of Elmer in 1978, she continued running the restaurant and fulfilling her duties as Postmaster.  In November, 1990, she retired as Postmaster after nearly 25 years.

In February, 1991, she married long-time friend Earl Malone.  She sold the restaurant, and she and Earl lived on his farm until moving to Monroe Manor in September of 2009.  Earl’s love of horses and Anna’s skills for keeping score allowed for their attendance at many horse pulls in the area.

Further, Anna was very active with her children in the Garfield Go-Getters 4-H Club.  She and Elmer were General Leaders for many years by leading meetings, projects, demonstrations, skits, and county fairs.  She received the “Emerald Award” in 1983 for her 25 years of Leadership.

In addition, Anna joined HCE (formerly Barron County Homemakers) in 1959 and maintained her membership until her death.  She was a very dedicated member by holding various offices; serving on many committees; and took part in many activities including monthly lessons, demonstrations, skits, Christmas Fairs and County Fairs.  Moreover, she started the “International Program” and served as chairman for 10 years.  Through this, she traveled to Nicaragua to teach sewing to local women, and to Haiti to teach others how to use a treadle sewing machine, to knit and to bake bread in a “sun oven.”

Her love of travel took her to nearly every state in the US and also to Ireland (The American Arthritis Foundation Walk), Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and on a European vacation.

A talent known to Anna was that she was a writer and poet.  She wrote many articles, essays, and countless poems for family and friends for their various special occasions.  Many were published in local newspapers and the Minneapolis Tribune.  Yet another talent known to her was that she was an excellent cook and baker (no recipes needed).  However, she was best known for her cheeseburgers, hot-beefs and mashed potatoes and gravy!

Anna is survived by her daughters, Mary Knaack of Weyauwega, Vicki Knutson of Rice Lake & Chris (Doug) Nelson of Almena; sons, Stretch Broker of Turtle Lake, Leroy Broker of Turtle Lake, Fred (Kathy) Broker of Rice Lake, Ray (Janice) Broker of California & Clancy (Barb) Broker of Comstock; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.  Further, she is survived by stepchildren, William (Bonny) Malone, Jerry (Luella) Malone, John Malone & Molly (Gordy) Lande; their children and grandchildren; sisters, Maggie Thomas of Minnesota and Katie Gardner of Minnesota; sister-in-law, Bernice Hanson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Elmer and Earl; daughters-in-law, Sandy (Stretch) Broker and Bonny (Leroy) Broker; sons-in-law, Martin (Mary) Knaack and Roger (Vicki) Knutson; brothers, Pete, Alfred, Ted, Henry and John; sisters, Marie and Josephine.

Pallbearers include Brian Knutson, Aaron Nelson, Nate Nelson, Ronnie Knaack, Chad Broker, Troy Broker, Mike Broker, Alan Broker and Matt Broker.

Funeral services for Anna Broker Malone will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Almena with Father James Brinkman officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service on Monday morning at the church.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. 

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.  Online condolences can

Last Update: Nov 06, 2019 10:00 am CST