Kenneth "Kenny" John Brown

Kenny Brown passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at his home in Harris at the age of 79.

Kenneth John Brown was born November 29, 1939 to Robert Gerald Brown and Flora Fredricka (Waldman) Brown at home in Arthyde, Minnesota.

Kenny was the youngest of 9 siblings in his family.  He was a very hard worker and had to leave school at a young age to help on the family farm when his Dad was sick.  He was a very honest and truthful man with high morals (except maybe a fish or hunting story statistic).  He treated all people with those same high morals.  Kenny loved unconditionally showing kindness to all.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand, asking for nothing in return.  He gave sacrificially and emulated what love is by his actions.  Kenny served in the National Guard and was in the Ready Reserve to go to Vietnam (his responsibility was the Honest John Rocket).

Kenny was employed by Kate Lo Tile for 31 years. He was the first to arrive in the morning and helped those early customers get their orders and send them on their way. 

When he realized he wasn’t satisfied with the way his life was going he prayed for a “good wife”.  His future father-in-law, uncle-in-law and cousin-in-law arranged a meeting with Kenny and Diane Pearson by blocking his truck so he couldn’t go home until they met.  (He worked for her uncle, driving from Pine City to Bloomington daily.)  Kenny knew she was ‘the one’ and he proposed on their second date. They were married six months later.  That was 55 years ago. 

You could tell what kind of man he was by his actions; always teaching about life; a kinder and more respectful life.  He told all, that to be a successful parent they needed to be selfless.  Kenny taught his family practical skills and trade skills and was the family problem solver.  Some of those solutions were creative and they worked.  There were hard times and many challenges but he was right there to work on solving them and getting the family back on track.  He was a dedicated husband and father. 

He loved telling jokes and stories and laughed the hardest at his own stories.  Give him a microphone?  Don’t do it because you won’t get it back.  (A company Christmas party proved that.)

He was able to fulfill the one item on his Bucket List.  Three years ago he and his brother, Roger, went to Alaska.  He loved his time there – sightseeing, napping, train ride, napping, halibut deep sea fishing and salmon fishing, napping, rodeo with family, especially with Danielle, Kaci and Ryder participating.  He also enjoyed meeting Roger, Jr’s family:  Laurie, Cody, Jed and Cortni Jade – he had the trip of a lifetime while there and loved to talk about it.

One of his wishes was for people to love one another and get along with each other.  Another wish was to see each other’s hearts, to see the good in people and to be quick to forgive. 

His final act as a hunter was to get that “nasty red squirrel”.  Kenny and that red squirrel entered Heaven on the same day.  It’s been said that old red is chasing Kenny all around Heaven.

He loved his family dearly and is so proud of the way they’ve grown up.  His final gift to friends and family was to tell them how much they meant to him.  He loved his Lord Jesus and really began to share his faith as he saw his time on earth coming to an end.  This faith carried him through some very challenging times. When the cancer came back he shared even more easily.  His final wish is that you would know this same Jesus.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife Diane of 55 years; children: Lori Brown and canine Maggie of Richfield, Tammy Brown of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Wade Brown (Kara Clonkey and canine Lucky plus more) of Harris, Jared Brown (Laura & Makayla Butenhoff-Pine City ) of Brook Park; siblings: Ben Brown (Toni) of Washington State, Beulah Kienitz of Otsego, Jack Brown of Pine City, Mary Shermer of  Pine City, Roger Brown of Hinckley and Gloria Pepin (Ray)of Cambridge.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Robert Brown and Flora Brown; brother Brian Brown; sister Pat Wiener; brothers-in-law Ben Kienitz, Gene Wiener and Laurence Shermer; sisters-in-law Bonnie, wife of Jack, Maxine, wife of Roger.

Pastor Bill Headley will officicate at funeral services for Ken: 11 AM; Friday, March 29, 2019 at Journey North Church, Pine City.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  You are invited to join the family for a luncheon immediately following the service.

Funeral arrangements for Kenneth Brown are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com