Robert C. Brown

Robert C "Bob' Brown, whose award-winning journalism career included 37 years as sports editor of the Fort Dodge Messenger, passed away Tuesday at the age of 83 at Thompkins Health Center. Brown, who also served a stint as editor of the Messenger, was born in Omaha, Neb., on May 13, 1928, but moved to Fort Dodge at six months of age. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1946 and Drake University in 1952. He also also served in the Army in Korea. He started his journalism career at KQTV in Fort Dodge in 1952, then went to KVFD radio, also in Fort Dodge. Bob became sports editor at the Fort Dodge Messenger in 1956, and retired in 1993. His sports column, Crowd Noise, was a North Central Iowa favorite. He passionately chronicled the exploits of hundreds of high school and college athletes. He also had a big following with his fishing and hunting coverage. His "Inside On the Outside" column had a national following. Bob was named Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa by the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters in 1964, 1974 and 1975. He was very proud of his induction into the Fort Dodge Senior High School Hall of Fame. He was also a charter member of ...[more]

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the University of Iowa's Media Wall of Fame. Bob is survived by Nan, his wife since 1952; sons Rick (Karon) Brown, Pleasant Hill; Randy (Mary Jo) Brown, Ames; and Roger (Jackie) Brown, Fort Dodge; and daughter Renee Brown, Minnetonka, Minn.; grandchildren Ben Brown, Blair Brown, Claire Brown, Jane Brown, Jordan Koepke, Jondle Koepke, Tia Koepke;, Sam Goldberg and Zach Goldberg; and a great grandchild, Petra Tillison. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Doris; ; his brother, Jack; and granddaughters Meredith and Natalie. Visitation will be from 4 p. m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church.