David E. Brown, 81, of Brownsdale, Minn. died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minn.

David was born Aug. 21, 1930, to Adolph and Agnes Brown in rural Austin, Minn. He graduated from Rose Creek High School in 1948. David married Alice Soucek at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rose Creek. They farmed together in Windom Township, Austin, until moving to Brownsdale in 1979. David drove a semi and was a carpenter as well as a farmer. He enjoyed his carpentry but was a true farmer at heart. David was a member of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale and the Eagles Club in Austin. Playing golf was a favorite past time of his. He loved to visit with family and friends, who will miss him.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Alice, Brownsdale; daughters, Barb (Fred) Polzin, Elysian, Bonnie (Russ) Nelson, Austin; son, Bernie Brown, North Mankato, Minn.; grandchildren, Anna (Adam) Brett, Jennifer (Brian) Cristallo, Stephanie Polzin (fiance Josh Ferkovich), Nick Polzin (fiancee Kjelsey Kluge), Alex Nelson (fiancee Kim Dietrich), Zach Nelson, Megan Brown (fiance Kevin Hanly), Bradly Brown, Michael Brown; four great-grandchildren, Abby, Avery, Carson, Brody; sister, Irene (Joe) Schammel; sister-in-law, Barb Soucek; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Frank and Anna Soucek.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, 2012, at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 7 p.m. wake service on Saturday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Sunday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.