Kathleen B. Brown Obituary (1946 - 2016)

On June 8, 2016, Kathleen B. Brown passed on to her eternal home under the loving care of her family and St. Croix Hospice. Born to John and Ruth Boughton on October 20, 1946, Kathleen was raised in rural Roberts, WI. She attended the United Church of Christ and at the age of 15, she gave her life to Christ and began to live out the phrase: “Only one life will soon be passed. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Kathleen often spoke of having three very satisfying careers. At Eastern Michigan University she earned a Bachelor’s Degree which prepared her to become a Registered Occupational Therapist. Her second degree was hard-earned at the University of parenting. On January 11, 1969, Kathleen was happily married to Kenneth Leroy Brown, whom she loved for the 47 years of their marriage. She loved her husband and participated in most farming activities while raising their four promising children: Kurtis, Becky, Angie, and Art. Kathleen’s third career developed in her late forties as she began attending the University of St. Thomas. There she earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies and went on to become a Board Certified Chaplain endorsed by the National Assoc. of Catholic Chaplains. End of life care and conversations became Kathleen’s love. Ministry in hospice and with hospital patients in all stages of care and decision-making gave her satisfaction and life education. Opening Lakeside Wedding Chapel in Eau Galle brought the balance of joy to the losses of hospice. Kathleen often spoke of the diverse needs which brought people to seek out the little church by the lake. Kathleen and Ken loved bringing friends or family together at the farm for fun and unique experiences. Love, faith, scripture, family, life experiences, and travel shaped Kathleen’s values and her having no fear of dying. She joined her husband in the Catholic Church around the age of 37. Through the years Kathleen worked on many retreats, was a Eucharistic Minister, Outreach Coordinator, Lector, teacher, and participant with Ken in Marriage Encounter. Kathleen and Ken raised their children in New Richmond, WI, and moved to Elmwood in 1992. Kathleen is survived by her husband Ken; four children, Kurtis R. (Sophia) Brown of Menomonie, Angela M. (Jason) Raether of Eau Claire, Arthur (Laurie) Brown of Eau Claire and Becky Brown of Menomonie; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three younger sisters, Susan (Steven) Anderson of IA, Patsy (John) Schroeder of MN, Mary Ann (Bob) Hartmon of WI; as well as other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Sacred Heart Church in Elmwood. There will be visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Private burial will take place in Lower Weston Cemetery in the Town of Weston, Dunn Co. WI.