Beverly M Brown

Beverly M. Brown, 101, of Melrose, died Friday, October 18, 2024 at Marinuka Manor Galesville. She was born on September 16, 1923 to Charles and Myrtle (Wittenberg) Brown in French Island, WI. She grew up in French Island and moved to Melrose when her family purchased a farm just outside of town.

She graduated from Melrose High School. After graduating she worked at Camp McCoy and also at Presto in Eau Claire during WWII making ammunition to support the war efforts.

Beverly married Leo Brown on February 17, 1946, at St. Paul’s Parsonage in Burr Oak, in a wedding dress she made from a parachute. Following their marriage, they lived in Melrose, where she worked in the Telephone Office. Together, Leo and Bev opened Melrose Coal, which later became Melrose Oil and Fuel, where she managed the bookkeeping. They also started an excavating business in Melrose and continued to run both businesses until their retirement in 1988.

Beverly was an avid quilter and sewer, teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as making gifts for many loved ones. She loved fishing and spending time with family. She enjoyed traveling and being on the go, whether in a car, truck with a fifth-wheel camper, hot air balloon, or helicopter. She was a proud member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 439 Auxiliary both in Melrose.

Beverly is survived by her children, Cindy Adams of Melrose, Barb (Brian) Stern of Melrose, and Tim (Linda) Brown of Strum, WI; grandchildren, Toni Adams, Katie Jenks and her children, Charlie and Mackenzie, Ben (Heather) Stern and their son, Leo, Ryan (Jessica) Brown and their children, Emma and Maddea, and Angela (Josh) Gullicksrud and daughter, Macy; sisters, Elizabeth Schmidt of Melrose and Erbie (Bill) Schelble of Tucson, AZ; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Brown; brothers, Robert, Bert, Charlie, and Chester; and sister, Ruth Brown.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Melrose. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. the same day with Pastor Chad Seybt officiating. Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery, Melrose. Lunch to be served at the Melrose American Legion. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com  

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting with family with funeral arrangements.

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