With admiration and gratitude for a life well-lived, we remember Russell Everette Brown, age 83, who passed away on December 31st, 2025 in Dassel, Minnesota.
Born on August 30, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Edward and Elizabeth (Horne) Brown. After graduating from Mount Healthy High School in Ohio in 1960, he went on to attend North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he graduated in 1964 with a degree in Pastoral Studies. He married the love of his life, Doris, in 1964 and began a ministry career that spanned over 40 years. He pastored at churches in Minnesota, California, and Michigan before earning his Masters of Divinity in 1978 at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He then, pastored in Wisconsin, finally coming full circle to finish his career in several churches in Minnesota. Russ served with several parachurch ministries including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Gospel Light Publications, prison ministries, The ROCK, and Poland Evangelical Mission.
Russ ensured that Jesus remained the focus of his life, consistently practicing what he preached. He had a true servant’s heart and found joy in helping others. He cared for his flocks with warmth and compassion, and he showed that same devotion to his family as a present and active husband and father. Together with his family, he loved to explore the Boundary Waters and other wilderness areas. Russ was a voracious learner of WWII history, reading books, watching movies, visiting museums, and interviewing war veterans whenever possible. An avid woodworker, Russ showed his thoughtfulness for others by crafting functional pieces that they could use in their homes, even if they didn’t always fit through the stairway of his tiny Minneapolis workshop.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Brown, and his brother, Wesley Brown.
Russ is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris (Geffert) Brown and his children Sara (Brian) Gallagher, Laura (Mickey) Klink, and Hugh (Mary) Brown.
Russ was a caring grandfather and supporter of his eleven grandchildren: Betsy (Blake) Hunt; Mick, Damien, and Madisynne Gallagher; Jacob, Benjamin, and Ruth Klink; Ruby, Frances, Steel, and Jasper Brown.
Though it is painful to experience loss, we rejoice that Russ’s life was rich in the things that matter: faith, family, and friendship. We are grateful to see his legacy continue in the family he loved, the friends he gathered, and the communities that he faithfully shepherded. He is now celebrating in the new creation with a body that no longer fails him.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 5, 2026 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the Highland Community Church in Cokato, Minnesota with lunch to follow.