Dale F. Brown, 68, of Austin, Minnesota, died peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.

Dale Foss Brown was born Aug. 10, 1948, in Exeter, New Hampshire, to James and Dorothy (Whitney) Brown. Dale attended school in Epping, New Hampshire and graduated with the Class of 1966 from Exeter High School. He went on to attend the Plymouth State College and in 1971 earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

Dale was united in marriage to Colleen Burgess in 1971 in Austin, Minnesota. The couple had three children and were later divorced. On Aug. 29, 1971, he entered military service in the United States Air Force. During his 13-year military career, Dale was a C-130 pilot in Special Operations, worked in weather reconnaissance and was a flight instructor. He was stationed in Texas, Hawaii, California, Thailand, Florida, and Arkansas. Upon his honorable discharge, Dale returned to New Hampshire where he joined his brother’s International Harvester implement business. In 1989, Dale moved to Austin, Minnesota. He began studying nursing at Austin Community College. Dale earned his nursing degree and joined the staff of Austin’s St. Olaf Hospital. In 2002 Dale became the Director of Nursing for Adams Home Health Care. Dale enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, camping and gardening. He loved flying, conspiracy theories and astronomy and was a big fan of Star Wars and Star Trek.

Dale is survived by his children, Katie Reichel of Laconia, New Hampshire, James (Christine) Brown of McIntire, Iowa, Donald Brown of Mankato, Minnesota; his companion, Patricia “Patty” Kellner of Austin, Minnesota; two sisters, Shirley Green of Ashville, North Carolina, Beverly (Karl) Geisinger of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Noah Whitney Brown, Tyler Patrick Reichel and Kimberly Ann Reichel; and his beloved cat, Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dwight; and son-in-law, Gary Reichel.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at First Congregational UCC in Austin with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, and again Sunday one hour before the service. Interment will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to First Congregational Church UCC or Stewartville Care Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.