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Donald E. BrownDonald Edward Brown was born Feb. 8, 1953, in Burderop, Whiltshire, England to Loy G. and Margaret (Westervelt) Brown. Growing up as the son of an Air Force medic, Don was raised in the United States. He and his family enjoyed many outdoor activities, however, they especially liked to go camping. Don graduated from Cabrillo Senior high School in Lompoc, Calif. in 1971, and shortly after that he enlisted in the United States Navy. His specialty was navigation. He met his future wife, Charlene Baston, when they were both stationed at the U. S. Naval Base in San Diego. They were married in October 1977 and three children were born to the union, Jennifer, Eric, and Daniel. After serving 24 years in the service, Don retired from the Navy while stationed at Recruit Training Center at Great Lakes, Ill. In 1995, Don and Charlene moved their family to Rush City. Don held a position with Sears before being employed by the Pine County Sheriffís Department in Pine City as a jailer. He enjoyed outdoor activities and watching wildlife. Above all he loved to be in uniform, whether it represented scouting, the sheriffís department, or especially, his naval uniform. He will be remembered for his big smile and hearty laugh. Don died at his home in Rush City on Feb. 2, 2004, at age 50. He was survived by his wife, Charlene, and their children Jennifer, Eric, and Daniel, all of Rush City; his sister: Linda Brown, Fort Worth, Texas; mother-in-law: Elinor Baston, Pine City; brother-in-law: Dennis and Virginia Baston of Gloucester, Va., sisters-in-law: Cindy Baston of Dallas, Texas, Donna Baston of Pine City, Julie Counter of Brooten, Tammie and Kyle Strand of Brooten, Sandra and Alben Mokrzycki of Hinckley; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loy G. A funeral service was held at Feb. 6, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Princeton with President Gary Gross presiding. Music was provided by Carol Norling and Joni Call. Casket bearers were Thomas MichÈ Jr., Robert Knowles, Brent Jahnz, Dale Thompson, Steve Cottingham, and Joe Spitzenberger. Interment with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements by Funeral and Cremation Service, Olson Chapel, Rush City. ©ECM Post Review |