Bruce Brown
December 11, 1958 ~ July 30, 2016
Bruce Edward Brown, age 57 of Janesville, WI formerly of Ionia, IA passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Bruce Edward was born December 11, 1958 in New Hampton, IA, son of Ralph H. and Catherine (Diesburg) Brown. Bruce was a 1977 graduate of New Hampton High School. Upon graduating he began his railroad career working for the CNW and UP Railroads in Oelwein and various other locations. On February 8, 1984, Bruce was united in marriage to Corinne McCain in Racine, WI. One son was born to this union. He was a very caring and giving man who enjoyed hunting, watching the Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Badgers games and riding his Harley. . Bruce would like everyone to know that he still holds New Hampton's record for the mile run, which will NEVER be broken.
Bruce is survived by his son, Joesph Michael "JB" Brown of St. Paul, MN; his former wife and lifelong friend, Corinne of Wellman, IA; his friend, Denise Sobeski of Janesville, WI; his three brothers, Rick Brown of Cedar Falls, IA, Tom (Diane) Brown of Ionia and Jerry Brown of Waterloo, IA; his five sisters, Suzanne Hurley of Oelwein, IA, Sandra Hudson of Lake City, MN, Mary (Larry) Adams of Miles City, MT, Peggy Lowder of Springfield, IL and Cheryl (Gene) Phillips of Ionia, IA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Catherine; his grandparents, Charles and Anna Brown and Ted and Susan Diesburg, all of Ionia; one brother-in-law, Paul Hudson and one sister-in-law, Shari Brown.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 8, 2016 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia, IA with Father Brian Dellaert and Pastor Jeff Williams officiating the mass. Burial will be at St. Boniface Cemetery in Ionia.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at Ionia Funeral Home in Ionia and continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass on Monday. Online condolences and memorials for Bruce's family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
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Deepest sympathy to the Brown family.
Deepest sympathy to the Brown family.
Our family was so sorry to hear of Bruces passing. JB was a important person in our sons school years, spending much time in your home. Such a good friend and father figure. May you all find comfort in the happy memories shared together. I know you will meet again. Just think of the celebration going on in heaven today as he joins his family in heaven. Randy and Brenda Fowler family
Sympathy and prayers for the Brown family.
Thoughts and prayers to the Brown family. I graduated with Bruce and have fond memories of him.
We send our love from Waterloo and Marshalltown. We had such good times with Bruce. Joe and Melissa Fox, Ross Brown, Ben and Brittany Wagner. We are thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ who helps us bear these sudden loses.
What a humble and loving angel Heaven received! Corie, Bruce and I have been friends for over 30 years. I will never forgot our trip to Houston to see Bruces friend. We went to an Astros game. Fun times!! God Bless You all during this fragile time. Peace Be With You Bruce, You have your wings now; Fly High My Friend Evie ( Bill) Carlough
Words cannot express the heartfelt sympathy that we send out to Jerry, Tom , Mary and all the Brown Family. I spent a lot of good times with Bruce and will cherish al the memories including just getting together a couple of weeks ago.. RIDE ON Bruce, Kevin Linda Roths
“Brownie” was such a fun guy to hang around with in High School. So sad to hear of his passing. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Bruce and I grew up together, worked together, went to Chicago together at the age of 13, played all sports together and discovered John Cougars music together before anyone knew who he was, needless to say a great friend who was a part of many great memories. R.I.P. my friend!
Bruce taught me how to inspect and work on “boxcars” may he rest in gods glowing love.
Condolences to all of Bruces family. We are all better people for having known Bruce. So long, my friend
Dear Brown FamilyOur thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you gather to console one another with your love and happy memoriesmay the many memories soon bring smiles to all of you. We wish you peace as you grieve your loss. In love and sincere sympathy.Janet Kay Roy Stevenson, Rochester, MN (sister of Paul (Sandra) Hudson).
I didnt know Bruce personally but if he was anything like his sister Suzanne he must have been pretty terrific. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Brown family and extended family members. Sorry for your loss Suzanne.
I lived in Ionia and graduated with Bruce. Many fond memories. He was a great guy with an infectious smile. Thoughts and prayers to his family which were a huge part of my life growing up. Also to his friends and loved ones in Janesville I extend my deepest sympathy. RIP Bruce
I remember golfing with Bruce and Adam at greenfield and going to Bruces house for a visit and playing a few bball games there. We stayed in touch on Facebook and i will miss my friend. RIP BRUCE
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May you find comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
My sincere sympathy to all of Bruces family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Julie Randall Nemmers, Spencer, IA
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bruces family and friends on your lost.
My thoughts and prayers to the Brown Family. May your memories you hold close and may they comfort you in these difficult days. May God wrap his arms around you in this time of sorrow.
Prayers to all of the Brown family and all of the friends whom life was touch by Bruce, He is now in in a good place with many family and friends. He will always be watching over us and smiling down.
So sorry to hear of Bruces passing. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family.
To Bruces family and friends. Bruce became my friend when he started working out of Adams,WI. Bruce and I both hired out on the CNW RR in the late 70s. He would like to tease on how easy I had it and vice versa. We helped Bruce move furniture into his house by the water tower, he didnt hesitate to show us his handy remodeling. We motorcycled together many times, taking the time to ride each others bike. On my next solo ride the passenger pegs will down so Bruce can ride along. Remembering the good times, Tom Dianna Steigerwald Friendship,WI
To the entire Brown family; We are so very saddened and want you to know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts prayers. Bruce was one of the nicest classmates Ionia friend. His smile always would light up the entire room. Hopefully these days together will help lessen the pain for you all. Big hugs! Danny Peg Testroet family
We extend our sincere sympathy to the extended Brown family. -John Becky Burgart
With deep sympathy for your familys loss. I had the pleasure to have started working on the railroad with Bruce so many years ago. Some very good memories.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brown Family . Wishing you the comfort of memories as you keep in your heart. Linda and Gary Steven
Please know that we are saddened too by the loss of your brother and that you are in our thoughts and prayers today and for all days to come. Find strength through friends, family and faith. Once again, I am sorry.
Sympathy goes out to ALL of you. Its hard to lose someone so young and so much more to live for. Thoughts and hugs your way
Well dang, I guess we wont be leg wrestling at our 40th class reunion. Such a fun great guy. Gone too soon brother. Rest in peace and I will see you on the other side. My sympathy to your family, friends and all who loved you.
When I heard the name Bruce Brown – had a flashback to firstsecondthird grade at St. Boniface School and sitting next to Bruce. After St. Boniface closed most went to New Hampton and I went to Charles City schools. Remember a very sweet little boy. RIP Bruce and my sympathy to his son and family. Jolene (Bigelow) Gesing
Bruce and I literally grew up together. We lived on opposite ends of Prairie Street in Ionia and saw each other almost every day from first grade to high school graduation. Together with the rest of the Ionia gang the same age (Jack, Joan, Rhonda, Jane, Tim, Deb, Rick), we had many adventures and experiences in the town between church, Boy Scouts, 4th of July celebrations, baseball, summer jobs, etc. (also other things better left unsaid for now). Sometimes we dragged our brothers and sisters along. Bruce always kept us entertained with his humor. Later our world expanded to New Hampton as our toys got bigger and more expensive. Finally, we graduated and went our separate ways, to be reunited only for class reunions. But over the years in my mind I often returned to Prairie Street. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ The years passed in a flash and now Bruce’s life has gone full circle. Monday Bruce will return to Prairie Street one last time. The former school playground next to the church was one of our favorite places to play in the early years. When the church bells rang at 600pm each day it was every kids’ signal to go home for supper. Monday the bells will toll for Bruce, calling him home for the last time . And the gang will be united once again in thought as we say farewell. Farewell until we too make our last trip to Prairie Street and are reunited with him on the hill on the edge of town. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for being a friend. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Steve McGrane
Kate Nate, all the Brown Family Sooo very sorry for your loss. Sending our love and thoughts of faith and hope! Great Aunt Dianne Waid Cardos, Bob.
I worked with Bruce for many years at the CNW Railroads Cudahy Car Shop. Just a great guy and wonderful fellow employee for all those years. So very sad to hear of his untimely passing. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, and my deepest sympathy. Carl Clausen
My thoughts and prayers to the Brown family. I went to school with Bruce and he was one of the nicest guys with the best smile you could ever meet. There were a lot of laughs when Bruce was around. Gone way to soon my friend! We only got to see each other at reunions, but, always had a lot of fun visiting. Rest in Peace, my deepest sympathy to all the family and friends who loved you! Dixie (Lampe) Orthel
He was the best brother,thanks for all the comments, he will be missed so much your Loving sister(older by 1 year and 11 days) Cheryl
I also worked with Bruce, I work at the headquarters in Omaha, NE and he worked in Adams. He would have to call in for inventory so weve been talking over the phone for 4 years and never had the chance to meet. He was great, such a nice man. The guys from UP shared this site with me It is nice to put a photo with the voice, but I hate the circumstances that it is under. Im sad that we never discussed Ionia, IA, we had something in common and I didnt know until I read his obituary. My family owns a farm in Ionia just outside of town (McLean). My thoughts are with his family and friends, you knew a very kind man. Leah Reineke (U.P.R.R.)