Kenneth Eugene Brown

Brown, Kenneth E. "Ken" age 97, of Coon Rapids, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 14, 2022, fulfilling his wishes of not having to ever leave his beautiful home on the Mississippi River. Even though his failing health could no longer keep him here on earth, his loving heart will always be a sweet remembrance for his family, friends, and the people who knew him. Ken was born in Minneapolis to Eckter and Lucinda (Litzau) Brown, third in line of their four children. Ken was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Elaine, JoAnne and Karen, his wife Betty Rae (Bender), his wife Edna Geneva (Sims), daughter and son-in-law Deborah Rae and Darel Burt, son-in-law Arnold Hashman, son Grant Sims, son-in- law George Shackelford, granddaughter Amanda Shackelford, and great-grandson Logan Hashman. Ken is survived by his devoted wife Elvera "Jean" (Hicks) and Ken's children Gail (Chuck) Ledoux, Lois (Peter) Franzky, Mike (Linda) Brown, Mary Hashman, Mark Brown, Diane (Joe) DeBoe, Joan Sims, Nancy Shackelford, Rob (Cathy) Sims, Gena (Tom) Edmiston, Russ (Martha) Sims, Robert (Patricia) Hicks, and Linda (Robert) Pourpasand. Ken is also survived by 117 grand, great-grand, and great- great-grandchildren along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Ken met his first wife, Betty, on the first day of school in the ninth grade (her last name Bender, his Brown, he was seated behind her) when she turned around and asked to borrow a pencil and paper. Although he couldn't believe she was that ill-prepared on the first day of school, she nonetheless won his heart and they tied the knot on January 27, 1945, while he was home on leave from the Merchant Marines. Together they had seven children (none of whom Ken initially wanted but later was thankful he had!) and a wonderful marriage until her unexpected passing on November 21, 1981. While volunteering for missionary work at KJNP in North Pole Alaska in July of 1982, Ken met spunky, co- volunteer Edna when she served him tortillas with chili and beans for dinner and the tortilla "inadvertently" slid off the plate and fell at his feet garnering his attention. They married on September 3, 1982, much to the surprise of their newly blended twelve children! Ken and Edna lived a happy life centered around God, family, and traveling. They even made it to all fifty states. When Edna became ill, Ken cared for her with unwavering devotion until her passing on July 20, 2011. God knew Ken needed a companion for his twilight years, so as a spry eighty-seven-year-old, Ken was introduced to Jean and wasted no time in courting this lovely lady. They were married on June 24, 2012, adding an additional two more "kids" to the ever-expanding family, which was now at fourteen. Jean was a loving and caring wife who has a beautiful gift for hospitality. She cared for, doted on, and spoiled Ken the entire ten years of their marriage and loved him unceasingly. Because it was so important to him, after being refused by several branches of military service for a vision issue, Ken's ingenuity kicked in and he memorized the eye chart while he was standing in line to be tested. Ken then ended up a proud American Veteran, honorably serving his country as a Merchant Marine from October 5, 1943 December 13, 1945. Ken's faith and love of God was a strong part of his character. He received Jesus on April 27, 1950 and lived a life of service to Him from that point on, even to the point of becoming a licensed minister in 1951 when he started and administered a church in the basement of the family home. In 1953, he became a member of Souls Harbor in downtown Minneapolis where he faithfully served many years in a variety of different capacities. Ken was a faithful servant playing his guitar or harmonica, while singing and preaching at missions, prisons, and nursing homes in the Minneapolis area. He was a conduit for the Lord to countless people, and a godly inspiration and moral compass to his family. Ken was a blessing to have in our lives for such an extended period and will be greatly missed. Military honors will be presented for Ken at a private, family, graveside service. A celebration of Ken's life will be held at Riverdale Church 3210 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304 on August 25, 2022, at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend in person, the celebration will also be streamed Live: facebook.com\100000661398105. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of Ken's fondest places: - KJNP (Calvary's Northern Light) PO Box 56359 North Pole, AK 99705-1359. Washburn-McReavy.com

Tributes

Kenneth Eugene Brown

May 2, 1925 - August 14, 2022

Tributes

Kenneth Eugene Brown

May 2, 1925 - August 14, 2022

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