Brown, Donald F. 1925-2003

BROWN, PHILIPS

Posted By: Lin Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/19/2005 at 15:50:50

Donald F. Brown, 78, of Merrill, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at the Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Donald Fay Brown was born May 17, 1925, in Le Mars, the son of Nelson and Esther (Philips) Brown. Donald grew up on the family farm west of Merrill, in Johnson Township. He graduated from Liberty Consolidated High School.

Donald served his country in the United States Navy from June 29, 1944, until his honorable discharge on July 25, 1946. After his discharge from the Navy, Donald returned to Plymouth County to farm. On Feb. 26, 1949, Donald was united in marriage to Lucille Saupe at Sioux City. The couple farmed in Johnson Township until retirement in 1990.

Donald was a lifelong member of Adaville United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Olson-Halweg American Legion Post #125 of Merrill, Plymouth County Farm Bureau, Plymouth County Cattlemen's Association, and had served as a Plymouth County Soil Conservation Commissioner. Donald enjoyed time with his family, all sports, and farming.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lucille of Merrill; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia and John Cota of Sioux City and Karen and Randy McMahon of Lakeville, Minn.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Ann Brown of Evergreen, Colo., and Keith and Shelly Brown of Merrill; eight grandchildren, Doug Brown, Erica Brown, Maggie McMahon, Sean McMahon, Jessica Brown, Michaela Brown, Adam Brown, and Andrew Brown; three step-grandchildren, Marne Iwand, Michael Cota, and Thomas Cota; a brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Marilyn Brown of Westfield; two sisters-in-law, Joan Brown of Merrill and Theora DeWaay of Sheldon; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister and brother-in-law, Doris and John Weber; a brother, Floyde Brown; and a brother-in-law, Harold DeWaay.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Adaville United Methodist Church, rural Merrill, with the Rev. Benjamin Meeks officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, with graveside military honors conducted by the Olson-Halweg American Legion Post #125 of Merrill. Visitations will be after 2 p.m. Friday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Adam Brown, Doug Brown, Sean McMahon, Scott Brown, Kirk Brown, John Weber, Mark Weber, and Todd Weber.