William Brown

Byron – William R. “Bill” Brown, age 83, died Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon surrounded by his loving family.  He was born July 15, 1937 in Menominee, Michigan the son of Ralph and Beatrice (Johnson) Brown. He married Patricia Gambrel on June 5, 1965 in Byron, IL.    Bill served his country in the U.S. Army.  He worked and retired from National Business Industrial Center.  Bill loved to tend to his land with many experiments in natural living like Christmas trees, bee keeping, acre plots of raspberries and strawberries, a large garden, and organic farming.  He took great pride in providing organic foods to the family.  Bill loved to read, manage his investments, and bake sweet treats.  When his children were in school, He and Pat would manage the concession stand at many of their sporting events.  Bill volunteered for many years at Swedish American Hospital.  He adored his nurses that cared for him during his health battles and wanted to give back.  He was predeceased by his parents and sister Janet Mushynski.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years Pat of Byron, 2 children; Christine (Wes) Lazar of Wausau, Wisconsin and Michael (Angi) Brown of Algonquin, IL, siblings; Nancy Weber, Sally Herson, Jim (Rosemary) Brown, John (Diane) Brown, and Tom (Sue) Brown, 3 grandchildren; Jaden and Jenna Brown and Schyler Lazar which he adored dearly.  A special thank you to his caregivers Janet and Tina.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a private graveside service will be held at the Byron Cemetery with the Rev. David Rogula Chaplin of the Serenity Hospice and Home officiating.  There will be no visitation.  A memorial fund will be established for the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Serenity Hospice and Home.