Ned R. Brown, 95, of Rochester, Minnesota passed away on February 11, 2023 at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on December 15, 1927 in Eyota to Harry and Inez (Jerad) Brown. Ned married Marlys Geerdes in 1946 and together they raised 9 children. They lived much of the time on a farm north of Rochester. In addition to farming, Ned worked in maintenance for Mayo Clinic for 45 years. He served in the United States Army during the end of WW II.
Ned enjoyed playing fast pitch softball, and was an avid spectator of baseball, football and hockey. After retirement, he and Marlys enjoyed camping in their camper at Shades of Sherwood near Zumbrota, where he regularly played horseshoes. He also was an avid story teller, easily recalling stories about his history and adventures in the Rochester area. He also loved to play cards. During his final years, he met Inez Strahl with whom he played cards, shared his stories, and spent special time together. He was a member of Homestead United Methodist Church.
Survivors include four sons, Steve "Syd" (Wendy), Jeff (Mary), Jim (Deb) and David (Imelda); five daughters, Pam (Jerry) Betsinger, Deanna (Bruce) Franta, Lori (Richard) Anneke, Linda (Jerry) Stacey and Lisa Takagi; 23 grandchildren and several great and great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Mork. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys, sisters, Mae Eichoff and Hazel Markham, son-in-laws, Jerry Betsinger and Jerry Stacey and daughter-in-law, Debra Brown.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Memorials can be directed to Homestead United Methodist Church.
Ranfranz and Vine is honored to be serving the Brown family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
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Rochester, MN 55901
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Rochester, MN 55901
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Always great to listen to uncle Ray's stories and history. May the memories help you through this time.
Uncle Ray thanks for all the memories of riding the calves and your Mule out on the farm. Your support at my softball games was much appreciated.. I will always think of you when I sit down and play 500..
Love Suz
last time I saw my uncle Ray was at my Dads funeral
I lived next door to Ned at Shades of Sherwood for many years. He was always quick with a story or a helping hand. I recall one Saturday, Ned was having an impromptu yard sale in from of his camper. It was particularity hot and humid that day so I brought him out a cooler filled with ice and a few cold ones. He got a kick out of that. He must have enjoyed them too because he returned the cooler empty. We lived close by each other in Rochester as well. Because of that, I would oftentimes see him at the local grocery store. He never hesitated to crash his cart into mine to get my attention. I always thought Ned was a neat guy. I am sure that he is already pulling together horseshoe teams or dealing out the cards. He is in good company - say Hi to dad for me Ned.
A good man has returned to God. We knew him initially from his work at Mayo. He brought us one of his autobiographies that he was so proud of. Prayers from us
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you!
Thoughts & Prayers To The Entire Ned Brown Family. R.I.P. Uncle Ned.
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