Richard G. Brown

Richard Gene Brown died in his home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after a decade of battling Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease.

Richard was born on December 8, 1935, in Winona to George and Gladys (Weber) Brown - the fifth of eight brothers. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1954 and his skill as a football player provided him the scholarships necessary to pursue degrees in education at what was then known as Winona State College.

In January of 1959 Richard married his wife Rosetta at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church. After he accepted a position teaching art, they relocated to Janesville, WI where they raised sons Gene (born 1960) and Timothy (born 1967). Richard retired from teaching in the Janesville School District after 30 years. He and Rosie then returned to the Winona area, moving to Buffalo City in 1992. Rosetta died in 2015 and, a year later, Richard moved to the West End of Winona.

Richard was an accomplished and prolific wood sculptor for over 50 years with workshops at all three of his homes. He also enjoyed traveling, folk music, craft beer, chocolate, and anything rhubarb. He was a hard worker, lifelong liberal, and lived a long, productive life.

His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers from Winona Area Hospice and the physical therapy and neurology departments at Gundersen Winona Campus.

Richard will be missed by his sons, Gene (Kate) and Tim (Brett); youngest brother, John (Joan); sister-in-law Mary Lou (Jack); partner-in-crime niece Cindy (Lalit); and a host of greatly appreciated and loving nieces and nephews; wonderful neighbors; and dear friends from Winona and Janesville. He was a pretty lucky guy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosetta; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Betty), Don (Jackie), James, George (Carol), Tom (Mary), and Roger; niece Jodi Albert; and great-niece Samantha Minks.

In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to your local public television or radio stations.

A visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 11 AM until 1 PM. Following the visitation, a luncheon and reception will be held at the funeral home.

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Richard’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.