Brown, Dale

Dale Brown, 92, active resident of Linn Manor Care Center, Marion, died there Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, after a short illness. Services: 1:30 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, where visitation will be at 12:30 p.m. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. The Rev. Lloyd Brockmeyer and the Rev. Grant Hagen will officiate.

Dale was the last of four children born to Clayton “Pappy” Brown and Noble Fertig Brown on July 20, 1920, in the Martelle, Iowa area. The Brown family later moved to the Marion area and Dale graduated from Marion High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy on Aug. 11, 1942, and was sent to the cook and bakery school in Idaho. After finishing school, Dale was assigned to the Liberty Ship U.S. Provo Victory as a cook. Dale's ship was ready to leave for the invasion of Japan, which never happened because of the atomic bomb. He was discharged in July 1946, with the rank of cook 2nd class.

Dale worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Marion and retired in 1982 from Merchants National Bank in Cedar Rapids as building engineer. Dale married Esther Etzel on May 5,1949, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where they were members for many years. Dale and Esther were married for 54 years.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Bertha Etzel of Marion; brother-in-law, George Etzel of Alburnett; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Esther in 2003; his parents; two brothers, Forrest and Norman; a sister, Alice Miller; brothers-in-law, Harold Etzel and wife Vivian and Thomas Jones; and sister-in-law, Geradine Etzel Jones.

Dale was a 50-year member of Marion Masonic Lodge 6. He and Esther spent happy times at the Etzel family farm and enjoyed traveling in their motor home.

Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous or the charity of your choice.

Published Jan. 27, 2013 in The Gazette