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Joseph R. Brown



Joseph R. Brown, 82, died on January 31, 2025, following a brief illness. He had this to say after purchasing a lakefront burial plot at Evergreen Cemetery, “It’s the cheapest lakefront property we’ve ever bought. Too bad the price of admission is so high.”


Born into a Boston Irish family in 1942 he has lived in Menomonie since 1966. He never lost his love for fried clams, lobster rolls, and Italian subs nor did he ever lose all of his Boston accent. He is best remembered for his quick wit and legendary quips. He was bright, congenial, and when he felt like it, charming.


Inspired by President Kennedy’s call to “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country,” Joe joined the newly formed Peace Corps. After his initial training, he served two years in Iran. The experience gave him a strong sense of purpose and when back in the United States he enrolled at UW Stout and never left the area. His career at Stout spanned thirty years culminating as the University’s Chief Information Officer. His bold and progressive decisions still benefit students and staff.


As a husband and father, he was reliably steady, soft-hearted, supportive, generous and never left any doubt of his love. He could be counted on to make life more interesting and there was much fun, laughter, and many treasured memories from even the most mundane parts. A good life indeed.


He is survived by his wife Susan (nee Kay), his son Joseph and daughter-in-law Jennifer, beloved granddaughters Gabrielle and Hallie Brown, sister Margery and brother-in-law Stanley Bowers, brother-in-law Richard Kay (Pam Bennett), brother-in-law Philip Prowse (Karen Melvin), brother-in-law Joey Kay (Dawn), sister-in-law Marilyn Kay, sister-in-law Ruth Kay, sister-in-law Kathleen Kay, and many special relatives and friends.


There will be a Celebration of Life at Olson’s Funeral Home, 615 Wilson Avenue, Menomonie, on Saturday, February 8, starting at 11:00. There will be a short program about noon and a light luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in the spring.


In lieu of flowers please contribute to a charity of your choice or the UW Stout Foundation Scholarship program.


To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.

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