Don Brick, 82

Published 8:15 am Thursday, December 2, 2010

Don Brick, 82, of Austin, died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Don Brick

Don was born Sept. 13, 1928, in Owatonna to Frederick and Catherine (Nolan) Brick. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1946. Don enlisted in the Army, but broke his back in a car accident while he was at basic training. By 1950, he had his Mortuary Science Degree. In 1952, he returned to Owatonna to work with his dad who was a mortician. In 1954, Don and his brother, Bill, lost their father and became co-owners of Brick Funeral and Furniture Store.

On Sept. 7, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Arlene Teigen at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owatonna. By 1970, Don and Arlene were parents of three boys and one girl.

Don found it wise to own his own business. During that time, he moved his family to Austin after learning that the Meier Wolf Furniture Store was for sale because of the owner’s retirement. When his middle son, Steve, graduated from high school in 1980, he wanted to work with his dad in the furniture business. In 1986, Don bought the Herberger Department Store in Albert Lea. John, his oldest son, came back from working in Los Angeles to manage the new Brick Furniture Store. His youngest son, Matt, left college to work with his brother. In 1992, Don again negotiated to buy the Damon Department store in Mason City, Iowa. A year later, it too, became Brick’s Furniture Store managed by his youngest son, Matt.

Don enjoyed golf, tennis, playing cards, fishing, some hunting and traveling to many interesting places. When he no longer could do these things, his store, which was his love and his life, became his hobby too.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene, of Austin; daughter, Mary (Phil) Ralphs of Las Vegas, Nev,; sons: John (Kari) Brick of Albert Lea; Steve (Nancy) Brick of Austin; Matt (Tara) Brick of Mason City, Iowa; grandchildren: Gavin Brick, Megan Ralphs, Erin Brick, Paige Brick, Max Brick, Scott Dahl, Travis Brick and Rylei Brick.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home and also one hour before the service on Monday.

Don has donated his body to Mayo Medical Science.