Jack A. Brown, 89, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 8:20 AM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at his residence.
On June 17, 1932, Jack Arthur was born in Chicago to Charles Arthur and Margaret Lavinskas Brown. Growing up he shared his childhood with two brothers and three sisters. In 1951 Jack graduated from Thornton Fractional North High School, Calumet City, Illinois. During his youth, he enjoyed following the White Sox, going to many games each season. He was also a member of the Boy's Club. After high school, patriotism beckoned and Jack answered the call by serving with the United States Navy during the Korean War.
On September 8, 1956, Jack married the love of his life, Miss Phyllis Jean Croy in Lansing, IL. In short order, Jack evolved into a die-hard Cubs fan with the influence of his lovely wife who grew up attending many games in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field as a young lady. They have shared 65 years of life’s adventures. Accomplished skaters, on the weekends Jack and Phyllis went to the skating ring to let the good times roll. Their union produced twins, Diane and James and sons David and Mark. Two more generations have been added to the family tree.
With a strong work ethic and great dependability, Jack was a member of the Lever Brothers security team for 37 years retiring in January of 1994. He and Phyllis permanently moved to their Lake Manitou home in 1993, where he engaged in many hobbies for the next 28 years. Their home provided a beautiful setting to capture great photos of family fun, making memories and intriguing wildlife. With casting rod in hand, the catch of the day awaited him through all the seasons. Known to his family and special friends as Mr. Fix-It, Jack could repair nearly anything! Wearing his special sweatshirt, he supervised the neighborhood building projects from his lawn chair assuring the projects went smooth.
Left to cherish Jack's memory are his wife Phyllis, daughter Diane Prior (Robert Thompson) of Carmel; three sons, David J. Brown and wife Cheryl of Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Mark T. Brown and wife Bobbi of Ft. Myers, James R. Brown and wife Debra of Valparaiso; nine grandchildren, Kristi, Greg, Rick, Nikki, Briana, Paige, Connor, Sarah and Josie; eight great-grandchildren, Camdyn, Beckett, Tyler, Remy, Hudson, Logan, Otto, Oliver and a new one in May of 2022.
Preceding Jack in death are his parents, three sisters Ethelyn, Margie, Charlene and brothers Dale and Wilbur.
The family of Mr. Brown wish to thank Katie Biscella of Elara Caring Hospice for the love, support and wonderful care given to Jack.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Jack Arthur Brown will be at 10:00 AM EST, on Monday, December 13, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1310 Main St., Rochester. Rev. Leroy Kinnaman will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 - 4:00 PM EST on Sunday in The Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. A Wake Service will be at 4:00 PM EST, followed by 4:30 PM, military honors will be accorded by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team.
Interment will be in the Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL with a graveside service at 2:00 PM CST.
Memorials may be made to the Lake Manitou Association , P.O. Box 376, Rochester, Indiana 46975.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
