Thomas R. Brown

Thomas R. Brown, age 73, was born Feb. 24, 1950 in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Roland and Esther Helen (Bisbee) Brown.  Tom graduated from Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake, Iowa, obtained his B.A. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University, and his MBA from the University of Iowa. 

Tom married the love of his life Lori (Michael) on June 9, 1972 in Slater, Iowa. That same year he started working as an engineering intern at JICase in Burlington, IA, and later transferred to their facility in Hinsdale, IL. In 1990 he moved to Oregon, IL, to work for E.D. Etnyre & Co. He spent the next 25 years at Etnyre, culminating as president and CEO of the company before retiring in 2015.

Tom’s love for nature and the water could be seen at an early age as he enjoyed swimming, sailing, and skiing on Lake Okoboji. This continued during his days in Burlington as he enjoyed competitive sailing on the Mississippi River. He spent countless hours driving the boat on the lake with his children and grandchildren. He loved being outside working on his property, going on little red car rides, and going on the Kubota with his wife and dogs.

Tom enjoyed building and maintaining things. He had an affinity for antique tractors and was a member of the Living History Antique Equipment Association of Franklin Grove, IL. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop, and utilized his many skills to help complete various 4-H or Scout projects throughout the years with his children and grandchildren. He also was a certified pilot, making several annual trips to the Oshkosh Air Show.

He was predeceased by his parents Roland and Esther Helen Brown and his sister Nancy Younie.  He is survived by his wife Lori Brown of Oregon, IL; three daughters: Theresa (Jason) Hickman of Byron, IL; Sharon (Jonathan) Waugh of Ithaca, MI; and Kimberly (Adam) Vanous of Ames, IA; seven grandchildren: Jacob, Andrew, and Lauren Hickman; Roland, Milan, Mallory, and Britta Waugh.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the Oregon Church of God, 860 W. Oregon Trail Road, Oregon, IL, with the Associate Pastor Nathan Massie officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7^th Street in Oregon, IL.  Burial will take place at the Daysville Cemetery.