Robert Dean Brown

Passed away, at home, on Monday, September 14 ^th , 2015 in Genoa, Illinois.

Born on August 20 ^th , 1924 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the only son of Carl and Gladys Brown.

Robert served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant during World War II. His area of operation was the South Pacific and included working aboard Patrol Craft 1588 off the coast of Iwo Jima hunting enemy submarines. One of his most memorable naval experiences occurred when a Japanese destroyer attempted to surrender to his crew after the war had ended.

After serving his country Robert dedicated his life to education. He taught high school in Glendive, Montana. After he obtained his PhD from the University of Minnesota, he moved his family to California to teach at Long Beach State University. In 1957 he accepted a position at Northern Illinois University, where he taught in the Industry and Technology Department. His teaching duties at NIU were broad and wide-ranging. Robert's passion was woodworking, but he also provided instruction on automotive repair and architectural drafting.

During his tenure at NIU, Robert spent two years as a University of Chicago / Ford Foundation consultant in East Pakistan. Additionally, he wrote six books and produced numerous professional articles.

He retired from academia in 1985.

Robert was an avid fisherman and camper, spending many of his summer months travelling throughout the United States. But his wanderlust could not be contained by our nation's borders. The short list of countries he and his wife, Pat, visited include Russia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico and Scandinavia.

A master craftsman, Robert furnished much of his home with fine woodwork. He created desks, tables, clocks, even wall art. The depth and breadth of his skill represented an old world commitment to quality not often found in present times.

Robert is survived by the love of his life Patricia K. Brown (nee: Good), whom he married in 1978, and three children, Susan, Robert and Corey. He was proceeded in death by his son, Jan, who died in 1964 at the age of two.

A funeral was held on Friday, September 18 ^th at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Genoa Illinois, 33930 North State Road. The service was officiated by Reverend Jeremy Heilman.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ronan-Moore-Finch funeral home located at 310 Oak Street DeKalb, Illinois.