Obituary of John Raymond Brown

Brown, John R. age 91, of Bloomington, peacefully passed on to eternal life on February 11, 2023. "He once was (nearly) blind and now can see; he once was deaf and now can hear." With sparkling blue eyes, he sees his beautiful bride and hears her loving voice. Born and raised in Madison Lake, Minnesota, John spent his youth trapping muskrats, playing sports, and dancing at "The Burg" on Saturday nights. Highlights were winning a Grand Championship for his Aberdeen Angus at the county fair and pitching on the 4- H State Champion softball team alongside his brothers. He often told stories of growing up with his cousins, sisters, brothers, mother and father. While in college, John met his beloved Jackie, and soon began 58 years of marriage. John had various careers: caterpillar operator, Honors Chemistry teacher, inventor, research chemist, and stockbroker. However, he always said family was more important than all else. Blessed with 7 children, together they instilled the importance of faith, education, philanthropy, and a strong work ethic. Later on John built strong relationships with grandchildren, spending time fishing, attending sporting events, teaching science, and motivating them to reach their educational/career goals. A deeply devout Catholic, John prayed the rosary, attended Mass, and reflected upon Fatima devotions daily and visited the holy lands of Medjugorje and Rome. Since the passing of Jackie ten years ago, we embarked on a new journey with our dad, grandpa, great grandpa, and uncle. Through helping and visiting him often, we developed very endearing relationships with him. We were humbled by his generosity, optimism, respectfulness, appreciation, and kindness to all. He made everyone he met feel special and appreciated. Also welcomed into Heaven by parents, Frank and Elizabeth Brown; sisters Betty Brown and Gert Suel; brother, Tom Brown; and many beloved in-laws and cousins. Survived by children Jackie Lawler, Jana and Steve Patrick, Julie and Dave LaSota, Jeanne and Orazio Lombardi, John J. Brown and Gina Ruiz, Betsy and Dan Destache, and Bridget and Dale Peterson; 25 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandson; brother, Dr. Frank Brown (Alice); and numerous well-loved extended family. Funeral Mass Friday, March 10, 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m., Nativity of Mary, 9900 Lyndale Ave. S., Bloomington. Memorials preferred to EWTN Global Catholic TV Network, Unbound, or Blue Earth County 4-H Federation, or donate online z.umn.edu/….