Jan Brown

Janet "Jan" Corrine Brown (née Hanson), age 92, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. Jan was born on July 21, 1934, in Wakefield, Michigan. She grew up with seven siblings. Her family later moved to Ironwood, Michigan, where she attended and graduated in 1952 from L. L. Wright High School. She was very active in musical theater and choir, with many leading roles and solos. She was in demand as a soloist for weddings and funerals, which continued throughout her life. Following high school, Jan was employed by Michigan Bell (later, AT&T) as a switchboard operator. She was on track for a promotion, but fate stepped in. The romance began with her husband, Arnie "Sonny" Brown, when he offered to give her a ride after seeing her standing out in the cold at a bus stop. He was a science teacher, and had two of Jan's brothers as students. Arnie and Jan were married on August 17, 1957, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood. Their first daughter, Sandra, was born while they were living there. They relocated to Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in 1962, when Arnie was offered a teaching job in the Robbinsdale District. They soon welcomed two more daughters, Paula and Debra, and their family was complete. Over the years, they adopted a dog (Fritz) and cat (Kissu). Jan embraced the roles of ultimate mother and homemaker. She was a stellar cook, baker, and seamstress. Her cookies (particularly at Christmas) were works of art, and she made luscious pasties (meat pies). She was always an involved, inspirational, hands-on mom. The family enjoyed multiple adventurous camping trips, vacations, and other fun and sometimes comical excursions. (We have stories...) Throughout this time, Jan was very active as a member and soloist for the Holy Nativity Choir, and the handbell choir. She rediscovered her love of theater, and was cast, along with her daughters, in multiple major roles. She gained many lifelong friends this way. Additionally, Jan worked for many years in elementary schools in the Osseo district as a Title 1 aide (tutor). She helped many students learn with her natural teaching abilities, creative activities and handmade board games. Most recently, Jan was an emcee, soloist, and active member of the Showtime senior singing ensemble. The group performed at senior living facilities, schools, and other functions. They were also part of a production at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Jan continued her passion for singing as long as she could, until her dementia made it too difficult. She never lost her loving spirit, ability to sing harmony, love for animals, spicy personality, or quick wit. The family experienced a heartbreaking loss in 2000, when they lost their beloved Paula to complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Jan was comforted by what she believed were signs from Paula, and willingly took on the role as an extra caregiver as well as grandma for Paula's sons, Samuel and Hans. Jan was ecstatic at the birth of her three grandchildren, Samuel, Hans, and Seth (Deb's son). She also adored her bonus grandchildren, August, Andreas, and Sydney. Jan was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Paula; her parents, Olga and Hans Hanson; siblings, Laurette, Lawrence, James, Marylin, Nancy and Richard. She is survived by her husband, Arnold; daughters, Sandra (Terry) and Debra (Brian); grandchildren, Samuel, Hans, and Seth; brother, Robert (Linda); many nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus grandchildren, and dear friends. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff at The Orchards memory care, and at Park Nicollet hospice. A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church, 3900 Winnetka Ave. N., New Hope, MN, 55427. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A light lunch will follow. A livestream link to the service may be found at www.holynativity.net. Private interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Maplewood, MN

Jan Brown

July 21, 1934 - August 21, 2026

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