Marion J. Brown

Marion J. Brown, 89, of Sparta, two-stepped her way to Heaven on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Emplify Healthcare by Gundersen in La Crosse. She was born on December 15, 1935 to Erwin and Grace (Miller) Reineke, in the Wilton, WI area. She graduated from Wilton High School in 1953.

Marion married Eugene “Jim” Creviston. Together, they had 5 daughters. In 1963, they moved to Sparta, WI.  They later divorced.  Marion worked at Northern Engraving for over 40 years.

Marion married Kenneth Brown in 1990. Together they traveled to their home in Clearwater, Florida, relishing the warm weather and beaches. Their shared love for camping led them on numerous trips in their motor home, and they delighted in dancing together, creating lasting memories along the way.  He preceded her in death.

Marion was always up for an adventure and lived life to its fullest.  She loved a bus ride with her friends to Branson and traveling with her daughters.  She enjoyed fishing and was a bowler in her younger days.  Marion was an enthusiastic rummage sale shopper.  If you need it, she could find it at a sale.  She would find some things you didn’t know you needed.  Marion was an exceptional country-western dancer, even teaching her granddaughters a step or two.  She made many lifelong friends at her CMA dances. 

Family was blessed with love through Marion’s baking and cooking. It was a treat when she prepared her chicken dumplings and Foss’s ring bologna.  Her pies were always eagerly anticipated, while her cut-out cookies became a cherished holiday tradition.  Gifts of her homemade freezer jam were always a hit; her deviled eggs were a must-have at every family event and her homemade pickles never lasted long when the jar was opened.  Marion was a member of St. John’s Ladies Aid, Sparta Eagles Auxiliary for 37 years, and the Country Music Association.

Marion is survived by her children, Barbara (Dale) Martin of Tomah, Dianne Martin of Holmen, and Jo Brinks of Holmen; 8 grandchildren, Leigh (Jarrid) Bardeen, Kelli (Tony) Krohn, Thomas (Cassandra) Martin, Adam Heuer, Megan (fiancé, Steven Oechsle) Martin, Matthew (Danielle) Martin, Samuel Brinks, and Benjamin (Mackenzie) Brinks; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and special friend and dance partner for the last 8 years, Robert Rogge of Tomah.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Brown; infant daughter, Debra K. Creviston; daughter, Donna Heuer; siblings, Everett Reineke and Vivian Michaels; and sons-in-law, Dennis Martin and Jerry Brinks.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Emplify Health. Their dignity, grace, and compassionate care for Marion were deeply valued and truly appreciated.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Steve Olson officiating. Burial will follow the luncheon in Hillside Cemetery, Wilton.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

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