Gene Brown

Gene Brown, 59, of Grand Forks, passed away on Monday, December 17th, 2012. Gene was born on December 26, 1952 and was looking forward to "the big 6-0" and retirement in the year ahead. Parents, Melvin and Helen Brown, raised Gene and his siblings in Devils Lake, where he graduated from Central High school in 1972. He married LaVonne Jensrud on April 2nd, 1975 in Devils Lake and continued onto Grand Forks where they raised their three daughters and later adopted his newest family member and little buddy, Pepper, a 12 year old Pomeranian. For the last 27 years, he owned and ran Star- Brite Carpet Cleaning Service. He had in previous years worked as a restaurant manager for both, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Country Kitchen. Gene enjoyed tending to his ever-growing vegetable garden and hunting with his closest friend, Curt. He also loved the sport of fishing, especially when it was with his children and grandchildren. In his upcoming retirement years, he planned on further pursuing his love for fixing up cars and traveling abroad as well as locally, to stay close to his children and grandchildren. Gene had a good sense of humor and always enjoyed making others laugh. He will be truly missed along with his homemade chicken noodle soup. Gene was an active trustee at Zion United Methodist Church, often being told he was a man of many talents and skills. Gene is survived by his wife, LaVonne and his three daughters and their families: Kelly and her husband, Eric Roal with their two children, Katelynn and Logan in Spokane, WA, Kristi and her husband, Darren Staffne with their three sons, Tyler, Austin and Caleb in West Fargo, ND, Nicole and her husband, Paul Nimens with their daughter, Embri in Spokane, WA. He took pride in being a grandpa to his six grandchildren and looked forward to watching them grow up. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary Brown, Charlotte Halle, Terry Brown, and Annette Nelson, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Aunt Naomi Brown, Uncles Hollis and Delbert Brown. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Zion United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 pm in Amundson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Zion United Methodist Church.