Edward "Ed" Brown

Rock Rapids, IA   CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE      

Edward “Ed” Brown, age 87 died Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, July 9th at The Rock Community Church in Rock Rapids, with Pastor Travis Remme officiating.

Inurnment will follow the service at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids., with full military honors by Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960, VFW and the Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the hour of service on Thursday, at The Rock Community Church of Rock Rapids.

Edward August Hayes Brown was born August 19, 1938, in Rock Rapids, IA, the son of Ralph E. and Edna (Haack) Brown. He was raised in Rock Rapids and attended school, graduating in 1956 from Wilson High School. He entered the U.S. Air Force on June 11, 1956, and served in Europe. He received his honorable discharge on August 18, 1961, and returned to Rock Rapids.

Ed was united in marriage to Marlys M. Bauer on March 9, 1963. Together they were blessed with three sons, Bret, Chad and Bart. He started his working career with the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1998, with 38 years of service with the U.S. Government. In his retirement he drove the R.I.D.E.S. Bus for many years.

Ed was a member of the United Methodist Church, active with many church activities and duties. Ed also for many years managed the roller-skating rink in Rock Rapids. He was a member of the Rock Rapids Jaycees and volunteered at many races at the Rock Rapids Speedway. He loved working outdoors, gardening and taking care of his yard. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a lifelong Vikings fan. He was especially fond of his dogs and enjoyed early morning walks.

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marlys Brown of Rock Rapids, IA; three sons, Bret (Judy) Brown of Sioux Falls, SD, Chad Brown of Lakewood, CA and Bart Brown of Rock Rapids, IA; two granddaughters, Alicia (Wayne) Jansma of Ellsworth, MN and Stephanie Puterbaugh of Calumet, IA; nine great-grandchildren, Chase, Haley, Troy, Grace, Karter, Xoey, Layla, Xander and Amelia; a brother-in-law, Michael (Lynn) Selken; and many other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edna Brown; sister, Charlotte Kerns; and brother, August Brown.