Jeanne Brown

Arla Jeanne' Brown, age 90, of St. James, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Pleasant View Samaritan Society - St. James. Funeral services will be 2pm, Saturday, February 22, 2020 at First Presbyterian Church in St. James with Rev. David Lick officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday beginning at Noon. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Arla Jeanne Cunningham was born December 13,1929, in Artesian, South Dakota. The youngest of 5 children, she experienced tragedy early on when her mother, Octa Butcher Cunningham, died of cancer when Jeanne was only 5 years old. Her father, George Cunningham, moved his family to Madelia, Minnesota where the family farmed. George later married Marian Nasman, and this union brought three more daughters to the family. Jeanne graduated from Madelia High School and then worked for the Madelia Insurance Agency. She met the love of her life, Lloyd Brown, at the local roller-skating rink. Lloyd, an accomplished skater, said "Jeanne was the only girl I could never teach to skate, so I married her." He did and they were wed June 24, 1950. They settled on the Brown family farm where they raised their five daughters: Gayle, Jill, Lynn, Leanne, and Nancy, and one son, Bill. The "kids" brought another 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, numerous "granddogs," and beloved cat "Sassy" to the family. Lloyd marveled at this and would say to Jeanne "look what we started Mommy!" They took pride in their purebred Angus cattle and named their farm the "Loyarla Angus Farm." Lloyd retired in 1980 and they enjoyed camping and traveling during their retirement years. They were happily married nearly 60 years until Lloyd passed away in November of 2009. Jeanne became the matriarch of the Cunningham and Brown families, being the last of her generation. She loved her family, church and community. She loved to cook for many, and visit much and often over a home-cooked meal. Jeanne enjoyed sewing, music, traveling, playing cards, theater, gardening, her church and church family at First Presbyterian of St. James, where she served as deacon and was active in the Presbyterian Women. Jeanne's strong faith brought her through many hardships in life and gave her a perspective that was an inspiration to many. In later years, her kind and generous spirit found her sending heartfelt cards and letters to friends and family in good times and bad. A "social butterfly," she enjoyed her two-month stay at Pleasant View, where she connected with old friends and new before her passing February 17. Jeanne is survived by her six children: Gayle Brown Olson (friend James Bryer), Bill Brown (fianc Penny Ihnen), Jill Elliott (friend Keith Olson), Lynn Wickett (James), Leanne Brinkman, and Nancy Flaherty (John). Grandchildren: Taylor Olson (Kristin), Maleah Benkofske (Kyle), Lisa Sands (Dave), Patrick Olson (Holly), Erin Lindquist (Shaun), Emilie Rivera (Manuel), Erica Hermann (Ryan), Isaac Brown, Mikale Gustafson (Courtney), Sarah Lundstrom (Derek), Bekkah Boll (Matt), Josh Elliott (fianc Jenna Benson), Amanda Linstad (Jonathan), Morgan Wickett (Shaun Burtney), Tyler Wickett, Aaron Ebbenga, Cody Brinkman and 30 great grandchildren. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, her parents and stepmother, brothers and sisters in law: JT & Ruthie Cunningham, Robert & Loretta Cunningham: sisters and brothers-in-law: Minnie & Glen Sprague, Bernard Anderson, Roy Shaw, Velma & Kenneth Rogers. Stepsisters and husbands: Lavon & Willard Willock, Viola & Belvin Aaseng. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Clarence & Eileen Penning. Sons-in-law: Leslie Olson and Robert Brinkman; Daughters-in-law: Corinne Brown and Laurel Karsa; Grandson Joseph Olson, and Great granddaughter Emma Burtney. Jeanne was able to remain keeper of the Brown homestead until her 90th birthday, thanks largely to a group of dedicated and loving caregivers affectionately known as "Team Jeanne:" Chris Beckius, Terilyn Harbitz, Jean Todnem, Denise Solis, and Lindsay Hillesheim, as well as the late Katherine Frisch. Our Matriarch, though gone from our sight, remains an inspiration to all of us who knew and loved her. Kudos to a life well lived! To send flowers to the family of Jeanne Brown, please visit Tribute Store. Visitation 1 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, St. James 706 3rd Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 2:00 pm Saturday, February 22, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, St. James 706 3rd Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081