Gregory Brown, 75

Gregory Wayne Brown, 75, a lifelong rebel, of Williams, MN, passed away on February 13, 2023, following a short illness.

Greg was born on August 31, 1947, in Schererville, Indiana. He was the second of three children born to Albert and Lorraine (Quaife) Brown. As a youth he was involved in scouts, basketball, and handball. After graduating from Lowell High School in 1965, he began to work at Inland Steel in East Chicago.

As many young men of his era did, he somewhat reluctantly served his country in the Vietnam War. At the end of his tour, he returned to the states and his job at Inland Steel. As a young man, he enjoyed riding his Harley and “sticking it to the man”. In 1977, his love of the open road led him north to Lake of the Woods. This is where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Carlson, or as he more affectionately called her, “The Evil One,” after a whirlwind romance beginning at the Williams Bar.

As a young newlywed, he began farming with Betsy’s father, Dale Carlson, and grandfather, Ernest Carlson, on the Carlson family homestead south of Williams. Following Ernest and Lydia Carlson’s death, Greg and Betsy moved their young family to the homestead, and Greg continued to milk cows and farm with Dale.

When the Carlson homestead decided to discontinue raising dairy cows, Greg began to work at Solvay Pharmaceuticals in Baudette. A few years later he began working at and harassing the management at Marvin Windows and Doors. He worked there until his retirement in 2010. After his retirement, he spent his days mowing his many acres of lawn and harassing and calling his local government officials.

Greg was a real character, and those who met him once remembered him. He loved children and loved to spoil them, much to the chagrin of their parents. No one knows how many kids’ best clothes were ruined by stains from the chocolate given to the child by Greg. Besides candy, gifts such as air raid sirens, goats, ducks, and dogs were not uncommon for Greg.
Greg had a big heart and loved to invite people to the farm for fish fries and BBQs despite the fact that he did not cook, he could always count on Betsy to make her magic happen. He was very generous and would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. Stories abound of him giving away vehicles, furniture and paying bills for others in need.

Greg had a life full of health issues. As a child, he had encephalitis and had to relearn to speak and walk. As an adult, his health was affected by his exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange. Getting a phone call from Betsy starting with “Greg is in the hospital but…” was not uncommon for those who loved Greg. His love of helping others continued even in his death as he donated his body to the University of Minnesota for research.

Greg is survived by his wife Betsy, his daughters Brittany (Martin) Westerblom and Courtnay (Daniel) Harvey and, his bonus son Rick Besser, four biological grandchildren, Millie and Bylla Westerblom, and Harrison and Percy Harvey, countless bonus grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as an abundance of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and grandson Dale Besser.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, February 18th, at 1 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Williams. In remembrance of Greg, please consider donating to DAV - Disabled American Veterans or giving support to a vet in need.