January 6, 1928 – July 30, 2021
Bruce Antone Brown
Bruce Antone Brown, age 93, died peacefully in his sleep, due to complications of congestive heart failure on July 30, 2021, at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN. He was born on January 6, 1928, to Charles W. and Emma (Vowinkel) Brown in Adams, WI.
Bruce graduated from Adams/Friendship High School in 1946 and enlisted in the Marine Corps that fall. Bruce served honorably during WWII and was an active member of the Marine Corps League in Alexandria.
Bruce married Dolores (Dolly) Roy in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 1951; they would have celebrated 70 years together in September. Together they raised 5 children. Bruce attended the University of MN earning his BS in 1952, received graduate fellowships and earned his Master of Forestry degree in 1953. While working at the Main U in the Forestry department, he earned his PhD in Forestry in 1958, after which he relocated to the Cloquet Forestry Center. He continued working there as Professor and served as Superintendent for a time until his retirement in June of 1989.
He and Dolly lived throughout MN during their retirement for a time in Ironton, Villard, Nelson, and finally in Alexandria. Bruce continued to work as a volunteer for various community organizations that furthered his passion for protecting the environment for future generations.
He is survived by his wife Dolly; daughters Diann (Russ) Parker, Sue Bjerkness; sons Jeff and Doug (Tami) Brown; daughter-in-law Sheila Brown; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Martin W. Brown (Rose) and oldest son Gary Charles Brown.
Due to Covid concerns the family would like to restrict attendance to family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to the Arbor Day Foundation.
Interment will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors.
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