Bud (Clarence) Brown

Bud (Clarence) Brown, age 76 of Maple Grove, formerly of Coon Rapids passed away December 7, 2023 surrounded by his beloved family.  Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Clarence and Frances Brown; and sister, Christine Knorst.  He is survived by wife, Monica St. Germain; sons, Brian (Liz) Brown, Bob (Vickie) Brown; and Mark (Holly) St. Germain; grandchildren, Josie, Edward, William, Victoria, Elizabeth and Abigail; siblings, Angelynn (Eric) Brown, Deb (Steve) Meyer, Mike (Nancy) Brown and Bob Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bud was all about family, starting with his three sisters and two brothers whom he loved dearly.  Brown family get togethers were always filled with laughter, joking and stories.  In 1969 he married Barb, and they started a family of their own, raising Brian and Bob together.  After Barb passed away in 2009, Bud married Monica St. Germain in 2011 and added a stepson, Mark St. Germain, to his family.  Over the years, six grandchildren, today ranging in age from 18 to 5, joined his growing family.  Through all the years, Bud loved his children and grandchildren as both father and grandfather.  He was happiest when they would come to visit him, whether at home or the lake cabin.

Buds second home was his cabin in Pequot Lakes on Lake Bertha.  There he enjoyed all that lake living had to offer, watching the sun rise and set over the lake, boating, riding his air mattress, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, or just watching the waves roll in.  After Bud and Barb became empty nesters, they spent most weekends at the cabin.  They loved having their sons, friends, and family come to visit.  As Bud’s family expanded with Monica, Bud invited his grandchildren to the cabin for time with Grandpa and Grandma without parents.

Throughout his life, Bud loved toys and adventures.  He started early when he moved up from riding his bicycle and bought a moped.  A few years later he upgraded to a motorcycle.  He loved taking his brothers and sisters for rides and would use it as often as possible.  Later in life Bud starting snowmobiling, then boating.  He and Barb traveled all over the upper Midwest to find the best snowmobile trails and lakes to play on.  In later years he rediscovered his love of motorcycles and bought a Goldwing which he rode all over Minnesota.  He also developed a love of trailer camping and in retirement with Monica spent many happy days traveling across the United States visiting the National Parks.

The common thread throughout all of Bud’s life was his deep faith and Catholic beliefs.  He and Barb were early members of Epiphany Catholic Church in Coon Rapids where they also enrolled their sons in the Catholic School.  Bud joined St. Joseph the Worker parish in Maple Grove where he married Monica.  There he was an active member who loved working the projection systems for mass and enjoyed a community of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Charities in Bud’s name.