John Lee "Brownie" Brown

John Lee “Brownie” Brown, age 89, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at St. Agnes Hospital. John was born on August 24, 1935, in Fond du Lac, the son of John and Dorothy (Batterman) Brown. John was a 1954 graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School and went on to serve in the United States Naval Reserve from 1955-62 as an Engineman First Class (EN1). On September 29, 1962, John married Barbara Braun at St. Michael’s Church in Dotyville. 

Upon graduating from high school John developed his carpentry skills by building a house which he later sold. Following that he spent several years working for Arthur and Associates performing civil engineering work. In 1970 John’s father passed away suddenly, prompting him to take over the family business, Brownie’s Bar. He and Barb ran this business until 1988 when they turned it over to their son, and it reopened as The Scenario. John and Barb bought a second business in 1981, Needsom Supplies, a tavern and restaurant supply business and it is still in the family today. John was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church and Holy Family Parish. He enjoyed trap shooting, bowling, hunting, and most of all spending time with family. John was a kind businessman, supported his community, and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved a challenge, especially a mechanical one. His big heart and subtle humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Jill (Kevin) Pasqua; his son, John “Scott” (Erin) Brown; his grandchildren, Michael Pasqua, Elayna Pasqua, Grace Pasqua; his in-laws, Will (Ingrid) Braun, Marilyn Sippel, Dave (Jan) Braun, Tom (Roxanne Lanners) Braun, and Bedi (Dave) Meyer; and other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his father, John A. Brown; his mother, Dorothy (Batterman) Brown; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frances and Leo Braun; brothers-in-law, Roger Sippel and Chuck Braun; and many dear cousins who were like his siblings.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 200 S. Peters Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Entombment will follow the mass at Rienzi Chapel Mausoleum, N6101 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be directed to Holy Family Parish or the charity of your choice. 

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com