Wendell Eugene Brown was born on May 12, 1929 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. He was the son of Henry Eugene and Adah Lavelle (Johnson) Brown. He was baptized in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in Butterfield and was confirmed in the First Lutheran Church in Comfrey. Wendell attended Comfrey School District through the eleventh grade, and then attended Waubun High School for his senior year.
Wendell entered the U.S. Air Force and served twenty-two years. The first fifteen military years he served as a Statistical Clerk and the remaining years in the computer programming area. He met and dated Ruth Longiotti, a USAF Sergeant from Pennsylvania, while they were both serving at the Pentagon. They were married on October 17, 1953 at Fort Meyer, Virginia. During Wendell's career the family lived in Louisiana, Utah, California, Minnesota, Tennessee and Florida. Wendell also served in Alaska, and two overseas tours; Korea (1960-61) and Vietnam (1967-68). While serving in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in 1969. After his discharge, Wendell, Ruth and their family returned to Minnesota. Wendell attended four years at the University of Minnesota Morris, graduating with a BA in Social Studies. In 1973, the family moved to Evansville where he taught Social Studies, Computers and was a Media Generalist with the Evansville High School. He retired from teaching in 1991. He enjoyed eating out, traveling, golfing, fishing, hunting, camping and the outdoors. He was a family man who shared his love for God with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, praying for them every day. Wendell was a member of the Calvary Covenant Church, where he served in many different ministries, such as teacher, church officer, worship media presenter. He also was a member of the Evansville American Legion, where he had served as Chaplain.
On Saturday, February 6, 2016 Wendell passed away at his home in Evansville, Minnesota at the age of 86 years.
Wendell is survived by his five children and spouses: Wendy Sather of Evanston, WY, Mark (Tami) Brown of Champlin, MN, Natalie (Joel) Hanson of St. Paul, MN, Carrie (John) Hanson of Evansville, MN, and Gary (Clare) Brown of St. Paul, MN; thirteen grandchildren and spouses: Jonathan (Janet) Brown of Kenosha, WI; Nicole Enge-Frey of Duluth, MN, Michelle (Matt) Rex of Evanston, WY, Chris Hanson of Evansville, MN, Charlie (Jen) Sather of Germany, Ben (Sarah) Hanson of Medford, MN, Dan (Sara) Brown of Ramsey, MN, Bonita (Jon) Oestreich of Parkers Prairie, MN, Matt (Michelle) Brown of Brooklyn Park, MN, Joseph (Jen) of Bloomington, MN, Thomas (Sarah) Hanson of Alexandria, MN, Tim Brown & fiancée Bea Bonte of Minneapolis, MN, and Ada Brown of St. Paul, MN; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren, plus one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents, siblings and in-laws: Rollie Brown, Walt and Lorraine (Thompson) Brown, and Joyce and Ron Gramentz.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Douglas County.
Wendell's family wishes to thank Hospice of Douglas County staff and volunteers for their wonderful, loving care and compassion given to our Dad and Grandpa.
Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, February 13th at the Calvary Covenant Church in Evansville.
Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and one hour prior at the church.
Interment will be in the Mound Grove Cemetery.
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Evansville.
Wendell's Memorial Folder
Wendell Brown Video Tribute