Obituary of Carl "Brownie" Frederick Brown

Carl Frederick Brown was born in Sandusky on October 17, 1928. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Paul Brown and the late Leona (Keimer) Brown. At the age of 11, the family moved to Monroe where Brownie would finish his schooling; graduating from Monroe High with the Class of 1947. He would marry the love of his life the former Nonna Meyer at Put in Bay on June 17, 1948. Brownie had a love of the water, and he was employed several years by Newman’s Ferry Service in the car ferry industry as a Seaman/Sailor. He had also worked alongside his father on a “Sandsucker” for Lake Erie Sand and Transport. His favorite pastime was that of fishing enjoying the time he spent on his Thompson Hardtop. A hardworking, family man; Brownie was gifted with many skills and loved to work with his hands. He owned and operated “Brown’s Signs”, building and installing signs throughout Monroe County. He continued welding and fabricating into his 70’s. Brownie proudly served his community as a member of Monroe Township Fire Department from 1951-1979. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Engineer and remained active with the department as a retiree for many years. Brownie, age 88, of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday; December 13, 2016 at Wellspring Lutheran Services. In addition to his parents, Brownie’s passing was preceded by his son: Paul “Skip” Brown in 1994; his sister: Virginia Osborne; and infant brother: Paul Brown. To cherish his memory, Carl leaves his beloved wife of sixty-eight years: Nonna of Monroe; daughter: Vida (Thomas) Parker of Ida; granddaughter: Daisha (Paul) Hennicken of South Carolina; great grandchildren: Paul “Charlie”, Finn, and one on the way. Friends may gather on Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 1:00pm-6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie (734) 241-7070. Members of the Monroe Township Fire Department will perform a ceremonial walkthrough at 5:00pm followed by a Rosary led by Deacon Mike Stewart at 5:30pm. He will lie-in-state from 12:00pm until the Mass of the Resurrection at 12:30pm on Monday; December 19 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 511 South Monroe. Father James Smalarz pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Memorials are suggested to ProMedica Monroe Hospice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.