Irene Brown, 90

Irene Brown, age 90 of Northfield, MN, passed away Thursday evening, January 21, 2021, at home.

Irene Cecelia Brown was born December 11, 1930, on the family farm in New Market, MN to William and Celia (Cervenka) Shimota. She was raised on the family farm, and baptized and confirmed at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. She attended country school and graduated from New Prague High School in 1948. Following her education she had various jobs including working at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis.

On January 3, 1953, Irene married Leo Joseph Brown at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. After marriage they lived in Farmington and Lakeville until 1957, when they bought their farm in Bridgewater Township. Irene valued family, faith, friendship and a bit a fun in each day. Her most proud achievement was the nine children that she and Leo raised and all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that followed. For many years Irene also provided daycare and remained in touch with several of the families for years. She enjoyed the friendship of local women in the Rice County Extension Homemakers and was involved for decades with the Northfield Farmer’s Market where she was known as the “pie lady”. She expressed her creativity in the flowers she grew and the gardens that she created. Leo passed away on January 29, 2014, and Irene moved from the farm shortly after.

Irene was a faith-filled person; she was a longtime member of the Church of St. Dominic and participated in several bible study groups over the years. She always had her prayer books handy and prayer chains activated.

Together Irene and Leo traveled in their RV across the United States over many years. She appreciated the natural beauty of our country and often reminded her children to take time to “look at the beautiful trees.” Irene traveled internationally to Europe, Japan and took a special trip to her country of ethnic origin, the Czech Republic – where she was able to speak her native language with every person she met. She was outgoing, kind, loved to visit and found her greatest enjoyment with her family. She delighted in bringing her family together at the farm and gathering around the table, treating all to her kolache and apple pies. Many of her grandchildren enjoyed time on the farm, exploring the apple orchard, playing in the yard, chatting with grandma and grandpa and creating many special memories. She will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include her children, Jean (Steven Pietig) of Pine Island, Bonnie of Burnsville, Don of Northfield, Ken (Usha) of Webster, Dale (Cindy Keogh) of Northfield, Jan (Marvin Helgeson) of Far Hills, NJ, Amy (Dave Pennock) of Northfield; 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Jo Brown of Missouri and Mary Agnes Shimota of Ronneby, MN: many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Leo, her sons Dennis in 1957 and Patrick in 1976, her grandson Ryan Brown, her sister Janet Picha, her brothers Eugene and George Shimota, and her parents.

Due to Covid-19, there will be a private Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield.  The Mass will be lived streamed at 10:30AM, Saturday, January 30, 2021.  The live stream URL is https://vimeo.com/504435176

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers will be Tommy Brown, Matt Pietig, Jason Anozie, Angie Anozie, Charlie Anozie, Leaf Pennock, Karl Brown, Tim Brown, Shane Brown.  Honorary Pallbearers: Erik and Alex Helgeson, Shannon Pietig, Sarah Biers.

For Irene having her family support and care for one another was very important. To honor her memory, please send any memorials to GoFundMe for Dale Brown Medical & Family Fund at https://gofund.me/2ca86d69. Any memorials received will be given to his family.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.  www.northfieldfuneral.com