Elaine Catherine Brown

Elaine Catherine Brown, 93, passed away on October 9, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was born on August 26, 1931, in Kaukauna, Wisconsin the daughter of George and Josephine (Wildenberg) Weyenberg.

Elaine's career was marked by a variety of roles that showcased her strong work ethic. After graduating from Kaukauna High School, she started work in various companies in the Fox Valley. She married the love of her life, John A. Brown in June 1952 and worked alongside him in the family accounting business, where she contributed her talents and shared her husband's vision. Following the untimely passing of John after 12 years of marriage, Elaine persevered with 7 children on her own, caring for them and teaching them the rights and wrongs of life and to never quit. Elaine served as an elected City Treasurer for the City of Kaukauna, building upon her earlier experience as a deputy clerk. Elaine continued to impact lives during her time as Faculty Secretary at UW Fox Valley, the Kaukauna School District, as well as her work as a visiting nurse. 

Elaine loved camping, traveling, golf, line dancing, bowling, and both cross-country and downhill skiing. The thrill of mystery bus tours brought her immense joy, and her spirit for adventure and life was infectious, inspiring all around her. Elaine was a devoted wife and proud mother. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was a pillar of strength and dedication. She was resilient and faced all of life’s challenges with grace and perseverance.

Elaine is survived by her children Perry (Cheri) Brown, Mark (Lois) Brown, Cathy (Mark) Matask, Becky Brown, Lisa Kieffer, Thomas (Sharon Couture) Brown, Brian Brown; grandchildren Ryan (Hannah) Brown, Liam (Raquel) Brown, Natalie (John) Schubbe, Jill Hegy, Jody Bangart, Lindsey (Tom) Ryan, Lauren (Alex) Murphy, Ashley (Bryan) Beres, Melissa Doss, Daniel Kieffer, Victoria “Tori” (Nick) Faunce, Josephine “Kalie” (Andrew) Grubb, Brittany (Dustin) McEvoy, Jill (Toni) Carlson; thirty great- grandchildren; sister Pearl Van Eperen, brother Gerald (Kay) Weyenberg and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. 

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband John A. Brown, her parents, granddaughter Lily Robin Brown, brothers Melvin (Ceil) Weyenberg, Floyd (Margaret) Weyenberg, Donald (Barbara) Weyenberg brother-in-law Jerome Van Eperen and sister-in-law Carol (George “Doc”) Roberts.

A Funeral Liturgy for Elaine will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer St. in Kaukauna on October 12, 2024, at 12:00 PM with visitation beginning from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Elaine’s memory to Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Ignatius Catholic School.

The family would like to thank the staff of Primrose Court and the St. Paul Home for giving loving care to our mother. Thank you to Aunt Pearl for praying the rosary with Mom and receiving the Anointing of the Sick before she passed.