Pierce "Perry" A. Brown

Pierce "Perry" A. Brown, born July 3rd, 1933 in Caledonia, MN., passed away peacefully at Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems in La Crosse on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024.

Perry was very patriotic throughout his life. In his youth during World War II, Perry participated in the Civil Air Patrol program of watching the sky for possible invading enemy aircraft which required memorizing aircraft profiles. There was an American flag flying at all times at the Brown home.  While attending Spring Grove High School he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Later he attended Luther College in Decorah, IA.  During college he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the Army Combat Engineers. Two years later he was honorably discharged and returned to Luther to complete his Bachelor degree in Arts Education.

In 1955 at Luther, he met his future wife, Rita Hoveland, and they were married in 1956. Perry and Rita were blessed with their first child, Susan, in 1958, and in 1966 they welcomed their second child, David. In 1965 Perry began his teaching career in La Crescent at the newly built high school. He taught Social Studies, History, and also coached track and football. In the 1970s he switched careers and became a Realtor in the La Crosse area for many years.

Perry enjoyed a variety of interests including: archery, canoeing, track/field, large game hunting, attending EAA in Oshkosh, photography, snowmobiling, and reading. He held the Division 3 National record in the javelin throw at Luther College for approximately 25 years. Later in life he also participated in the 2005 USATF MN Outdoor Championships, winning both the javelin and the shot put in the 70-74 age division.  He went on to throw the javelin at meets in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. He also obtained a private pilot's license. Besides athletics he also loved writing creative poetry and short stories.

During retirement he followed his dream to prospect for gold in Alaska, Arizona, and California. He gathered his gear and travelled West. As a father and a grandfather, he was generous in sharing his knowledge with David, Joey, and Jason in their athletic endeavors. Throughout his life he was a man of deep faith and love of God. His family gave him great joy and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years: Rita (Hoveland) Brown; children: Susan (Joe) Hengel and David Brown; grandchildren: Joey (Brittney) Hengel and Jason (Ali) Hengel; great-grandchildren: Emma Hengel, Sawyer Swenson, Tauriel Swenson, and Liara Swenson; sister: Lois Anderson; and nieces and nephews: Kimberly Anderson, Carol Solie, Mark Solie, Paul Solie, and Charles Solie.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Palma Brown; sister: Betty Solie; and brothers-in-law: Harold Anderson and Willie Solie.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 111 S. Oak St, La Crescent, MN. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Spring Grove, MN with military honors.