TOMAH - Barbara J. Brown, 82 of Tomah passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at her home, peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on November 20, 1939, to Walter J. and Madelyn (Stahl) Welch in Melrose Park, IL. Barb was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1957. On May 10, 1958, Barb was united in marriage to Lyle K. Brown. Throughout her lifetime, Barb was very hard working and worked for various employers in the Tomah area, including The Badger Café, Kinder Furniture, Tomah Memorial Hospital and the Tomah VA Medical Center, from which she retired at the age of 70.
Here is a little-known fact: Barb was a skilled mechanic. She also loved crocheting, knitting, embroidery and dressmaking. She made beautiful blankets for all her grandchildren. She was an extremely gifted seamstress. She had the amazing ability to make something out of nothing – this initially started out of necessity and later became a much-loved talent and craft. What started out as a means of making affordable clothing for her own children and later gifts for her grandchildren, developed into creating exceptionally beautiful, detailed dresses for weddings. She loved picnics, family reunions and camping. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and playing cards and board games with friends and family.
She is survived by her seven children (five sons and two daughters): Kenneth W. (Cheri) Brown, Sauk City, WI; Kathleen M. (Fred) Treu, Greenfield, WI; Laurie A. Brown, Tomah, WI; John M. Brown, Warrens, WI; Michael J. (Susan) Brown, Camp Douglas, WI; Robert L. (Crystal) Brown, Suamico, WI; and Rodger L. (Tricia) Brown, Suamico, WI. Eleven Grandchildren: Ryan J. (Tracy) Brown, Billings, MT; Kayla G. (Michael) Mershon, Billings, MT; Kody Greeno, Genoa, WI; Adam Brown (fiancé Rachel), Grafton, WI; Dustin Greeno, La Crosse, WI; Molly (Zakk) Reyes, Warrens, WI; Jacob Brown, Camp Douglas, WI; Dominik R. Brown, Suamico, WI; Jaden Brown, Camp Douglas, WI; Donovan T. Brown, Suamico, WI; and Orion R. Brown, Suamico, WI. Four Great Grandchildren: Devun M. Brown (Kenneth/Ryan), Kalli A. Brown (Kenneth/Ryan), Bjorn Greeno (Laurie/Kody), and Hazel Reyes (John/Molly). Siblings: James (Mary) Welch and Sherry Baldwin. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Joseph Welch; sisters Lois Roberts, Julia Ludke and Betty Braman; nephew Joseph Taylor; and niece Madelynn Hancock.
Barbara appreciated and the family would like to thank friends and staff at Liberty Village Assisted Living Residential Care Apartment Complex of Tomah for their compassionate care.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, 11:00 AM at Queen of the Apostles Parish (f.k.a. St. Mary’s Catholic Church), 303 West Monroe Street, Tomah. Monsignor David Kunz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
A Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Although she appreciated all the floral arrangements she received throughout her life, Barbara has requested no flowers to be sent for the service.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
