Tributes

Wayne Brown, Jr., 74, of Kalkaska, passed away on October 24, 2008 at his home. He was born on June 8, 1934 in Alma, Michigan, the son of the late Wayne and Erma May (Williams) Brown.Wayne married Julia Anne Kelly on August 23, 1958 in Owosso. Together they had 5 wonderful children. Wayne graduated from Central Michigan University with his Bachelor’s Degree and with his Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. He retired from the East Detroit School System in 1991 after teaching for 33 years. During his time there he coached cross country, track and basketball in grades 8 – 12 at Oakwood Junior High School and East Detroit High School. Wayne received county cross country coach of the year honors in 1988 and 1989, and was a nominee for state cross country coach of the year in 1989. He also earned 1989 county track coach of the year accolades. Wayne was inducted into Macomb County Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 and into the East Detroit High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. After retiring, Wayne and Julia moved to Kalkaska from Sterling Heights. He was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. Wayne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.Surviving Wayne is his dear wife of 50 years, Julia; his wonderful children, Donald (Ninette Hart) Brown of Hilo, Hawaii, Alan Brown of Lake Orion, Gordon (Mary Whitcher) Brown of Dearborn, and Gail (Gregory) Podkowa-Sterba of Sterling Heights; his precious grandchildren, Chelsea Brown, Graham Brown, Shannon Podkowa, and Shane Podkowa; and his siblings, Thomas (Karol) Brown of Battle Creek and Joanne (Carl) Mitchell of St. Louis, Michigan.Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Nancy who died in 1982 at the age of 12.Visitation for Wayne will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on October 28, 2008 at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home with a scripture services at 7:00 p.m. A memorial mass will be held on October 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church with Reverend James Barrand officiating. Memorials may be given to Munson Hospice House or to St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Wayne Brown

June 8, 1934 - October 24, 2008