"Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I have read them over and over. Dad would have been very proud. "
In loving memory of
John J. Brown
April 27, 1913 - February 28, 2013
John J. Brown, 99, of Emmetsburg, Iowa passed away on February 28, 2013 just 58 days from his 100th birthday.
John was born April 27, 1913, the son of William and Gertrude (Donahue) Brown. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of Iowa in 1937.
John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and married Joyce Devlin on June 19, 1943. In 1943, John was deployed to England on the Queen Mary. There he trained for the invasion of Normandy. He was a member of the 5th Engineer Special Brigade attached to the 29th Infantry Division. John landed on Omaha Beach in the 6th wave on June 7, 1944. John was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain.
John and Joyce returned to Emmetsburg in 1946. John was engaged in the real estate and insurance profession until his retirement in 2000. During this time, John served as Mayor of Emmetsburg from 1956 to 1960. He also served in the House of Representatives from 1958 to 1960. John was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1960 and served until 1964, when he left to devote all of his time to raising his family, and advancing his insurance and real estate practice.
John was an avid hunter, and sometimes while hunting for mallards or pheasants, he was known to occasionally elect to start the season a little early, and extend the daylight hours just a wee bit. He returned to the car on one occasion and found a note on the windshield from the game warden which read, "Hunting a little late aren't you John?"
He enjoyed spending time with his family on the water, sailing, boating, fishing and swimming. He was especially proud of being a judge for the Okoboji Yacht Club. While unloading a boat, John was also known to have backed his station wagon a little too far and had water up the back seat.
John was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, and later Holy Family Parish. He was also an active member of the Lions Club and other civic organizations in Emmetsburg.
John is survived by his sons: John (Sue) Brown of Emmetsburg, David (Janet) Brown of Cedar Rapids and Greg (Becky) Brown of Des Moines; and eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Stephen, Scott, David, Michael, Allison, Christina and Natalie. He is also survived by a sister, Rosemary Sneeringer of Seattle, Washington; and two brothers: James W.R. Brown of Omaha, Nebraska and Donald J. Brown of Des Moines.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents; three brothers: Bill Brown, Bob Brown and Dick Brown all of Ruthven; and his sister Kay Hyde of Seattle, Washington.
Visitation will be at Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg on Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.
John was proud of his family, his church, and his community. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tributes
"Grandpa John was and will always be a great Grandpa. He had many great attributes. I always loved the scalloped ham and potatoes that he made. He was very smart and wise. Whenever he gave me advice, I made sure that I listened to what he had to say. He had a fond love for desserts, that I am glad he passed on to my family. Most of all though Grandpa John loved his family and I know that we all felt very fortunate to have him in our lives for a very long time. It was hard for me to see him go, but I know that he is in a better place now. Grandpa John you will be missed, and thanks for the many great memories!"
"John, Sue & family, Just learned about your father's passing. We wanted to send our sympathy, thoughts & prayers to you & your family. "
"John, My sympathies on the loss of your Dad. He was a great man and I know he will be missed by you and your family."
"On behalf of the Foy family, our deepest sympathy. I could tell a dozen stories about both John & Joyce, and rest assured, every one of them would make you laugh til you cried. He was a character and lived life to the fullest. He will be missed!"
"We were so sorry to miss the funeral today. Weather is always a surprise this time of year. We hope to bring Jim and Mary up that way soon. Our condolences. "
"Our deepest condolences to the Brown families. I remember sitting at your cottage and having many great conversations with both John and Joyce. They were wonderful, caring people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"You are in my prayers and thoughts. "
"Our condolences to John, Dave, Greg and your families at the pasing of your Dad. Ray showed us that WW II picture of John and him many times. The Geelans Mike and Rosemary-Ruthven Joe and Susan- Marion Winnie Geelan-Pottoff-Carroll"
"To Greg and all the Brown Family: Our heartfelt condolences. I heard great stories and things about Mr. Brown over many years and know this is a great loss to you all. I know the good memories will be with you forever. Best regards always- Stu Mondschein, Ruth Frawley Madison, Wisconsin"
"My memories are of my classmate at U of Iowa Law 1973, John, and his brother Greg, both outstanding people and outstanding lawyers. His qualities are shown in the outstanding family he raised. My Dad served as a Navy officer in the Pacific during WW2 and came back to insurance and real estate in rural Iowa----they truly were the Greatest Generation. My condolences."
"Our deepest sympathy to the Brown families. We have such fond memories of John Sr at the lake cooking up a great family dinner or sitting on the porch to talk politics and reminisce. He was a kind and gentle man and lived life with great dignity and humility. "
"Our deepest sympathy to you and your families on the death of your Dad. He was a fine man who will be missed. May he rest in peace. Larry and Suzann Hand Foster"
"My condolences to John and your brothers"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Always difficult to lose a parent at any age. May memories sustain you. With sincere sympathy."
"Our sympathy to you. What a special Father n community, state of Iowa servant. Remember those good memories and what he stood for in his life...."
"Our sympathies to John, Dave, Greg and families on John's passing. May your happy memories help to ease the pain of your loss. "
"John was just a wonderful guy. Even in recent years when I'd see him @ the Fareway, he'd smile that beautiful smile and say, "Hi, Judy!" Always knew you. Sincere sympathy to all of his family, with love, Dave & Judy Nixon"
"My deepest sympathy to John, Dave and Greg in the loss of your father. He raised a great family to be very responsible and assets to their communities."
"our sympathy goes out to the Brown family."
"We send our condolences to the Brown family, God's blessings to each of you."
"John always had a kind word and was such a gentleman. I remember admiring him as a kid and appreciating his political accomplishments. What a beautiful family he had, and he was very proud of each and every one of them. God bless you all as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing."
"Randy so enjoyed getting to know John when he needed help with his car. I, of course, have known him, and Joyce, much longer. The nicest man I've ever met, with a family of which he was extremely proud."
"John was the first person we knew when we moved to Emmetsburg in 1958. He was a great promoter of Emmetsburg all of his life. Prayers for John, Dave, Greg and families."
"Sorry that your DAD has passed. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. What a glorious reunion there is in heaven. "