Donald D Brown

Donald Brown, age 84 of Glenwood died Monday, September 16, 2024 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 21st at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be Friday, September 20th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be in the Lake Amelia Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Donald DeWayne Brown was born on August 26, 1940 in Glenwood, Minnesota. The son of James and Inga (Teigen) Brown, Donald grew up in a bustling household with fourteen siblings that set the stage for a life filled with love and laughter. Donald's early education took place in a country school near Cyrus, paving the way to a successful career after his graduation from Dunwoody Institute's tool and die program. His professional life was marked by a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to co-found B&B Manufacturing with his brother Dick. His dedication to his work was matched only by his commitment to his family and community.

On January 19, 1963, he married the love of his life, JoAnne Lyon, in a beautiful ceremony at St. John Nepomuncene Catholic Church in Lidgerwood, ND. Donald and JoAnne made their first home in St. Louis Park, then Champlin in 1967 until 1985 when they moved to Albertville. In 1997, they purchased their current home in Grove Lake Township and in 2000 they moved there permanently. Their union was a testament to enduring love, graced with three daughters and a journey of 55 years together, until JoAnne's death on April 10, 2018.

A man of many interests, Donald was never happier than when he was outdoors, fishing rod in hand, or surrounded by family and friends. Fishing was a special pastime he was able to share with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards, hunting and gardening. His warm, friendly nature meant he never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't yet made. Donald's generosity of spirit was evident to all who knew him, always ready to lend a hand or share a word of encouragement. Donald will be remembered for sharing his passion of the outdoors with anyone who would go with him.

He is survived by his daughters, Denise (David) Kallas of Ingleside, IL, Laura (Jim) Helgeson of Elk River, MN, and Linda (Paul) Helvick of Richfield, WI. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Brittany, Josh, Benjamin, Sophia, Margaret, Melanie, and Nicholas; and great-grandchildren, Parker, Audrey, and Malin. He will also be deeply missed by his sister, Joyce Moen of Cyrus; brothers, Gilman (Alice) of Andover, Dick (Dode) of Anoka, Ronald of Long Prairie, Alan (Jean) of Sauk Rapids; and sisters-in-law, Linda Brown, Judy (Jim) Buckhouse, Jean (Klaus) Knoll, Mary (Mark) Bruun and Kathy Lyon, brothers-in-law, James (Marlene) Lyon, John (Norma) Lyon and Thomas (Karla) Lyon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a community of friends.

Preceding him in death were his beloved wife JoAnne; his parents; brothers, Gary, Harley, Jerome, Ray (Violet), Robert (Blanche), and Bruce; sisters, Dorene (Michael) Miller, Doris (Bud) Shaw, and Donna Aaberg; brothers-in-law, Jerome (Jackie) Lyon, Joseph Lyon and Randy Knoll and sister-in-law, Janice Brown.