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Brown, Will
Will Brown, 85, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2013, at his home following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Officiating will be the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. Family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
He is survived by his children, Deborah (John) Schricker of Blue Grass, Linda Leigh Brown of St. Paul, Minn., Mark W. Brown of Marion and Richard V. Brown of Iowa City; daughter-in-law, Barbara Threlkeld of Iowa City; four grandchildren, Andy and Jeff DeRiemacker, Angela and Kevin Brown; a sister, Cora Lee (Richard) Widmar of Centerville; a nephew, Michael (Angie) Widmar of Pella; and a niece, Sheila (John) Wagner of Centerville.
Will was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Brown; and a sister, Clara Vee Eddy.
Willard Earl Brown was born July 22, 1927, the son of Earl and Emma (McNamar) Brown. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during World War II. Will was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Fisher on May 5, 1949, in Cedar Rapids. They were married for 63 years and raised four children, until she preceded him in death on March 27, 2012. Will worked as a salesman in the office supply and furniture industries until his retirement in 2008. He was an excellent writer and poet with a great sense of humor. A wood working enthusiast, he had a special talent for hand crafting wooden clocks. He could fix or repair almost anything. Will was interested in military history, particularly regarding World War II and military aircraft. He volunteered for the Soap Box Derby Association for many years.
A kind, good-humored and beloved man, he will be greatly missed but forever remembered.
Memorial donations in Will's honor may be made to Faith United Methodist Church or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Will's family on the website, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
Published March 18, 2013 in The Gazette
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