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.