Willard Brown

Willard Brown, age 104 of Hillman, MN passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Pierz Villa in Pierz, MN. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hillman with the Rev. Cathie Rhodes officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 PM a" 1:00 PM Saturday at the church in Hillman. Interment will be at a later date. Willard Brown was born June 1, 1903 in Leigh Township, Morrison County, MN to the late John and Lillian (Goble) Brown. He grew up and lived his life of 104 years in Leigh Township. Willard attended country school through the eighth grade. He was united in marriage to Lila R. Miers. Following their marriage the couple lived in Leigh Township where they farmed. Willard worked as a logger, well driller for Mike Kahlhamer, , did odd farm jobs, worked on Hwy #27 from Pierz to Hillman. He also worked as a trapper, hunter, fisherman, picking berries and wild rice. Willard loved playing the fiddle, gardening and enjoying a beer with his friends and his beloved sister Marie. He always said his long life contributed to his walking and chewing Copenhagen. Most of all, Willard enjoyed sending time with his family and grandchildren. Willard is survived by a daughter, Shirley Hust & husband, Buster, of Wieser, ID; son Westley Brown & wife, Clara, of Yerington, NV; daughter-in-law, Rita Brown of Hillman, MN ; 43 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Lila; parents, John & Lillian Brown; daughters & sons, Irene Sullivan, Clifford Brown, Marvene Munson, Marian Seelen, Calvin Brown, John Brown and an infant child; sisters, Marie Tretter and Josie Jess and a half-brother, Glen Huntsley; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Honorary pallbearers are his deceased children welcoming him into the arms of God, Irene Sullivan, Clifford Brown, Marvene Munson, Marion Seelen, Calvin Brown and John Brown.