Surnames: BROWN WILDING GAULT

----Source: May 3, 1984 edition of the Clark County Press

‘Buster’ Brown dies of cancer; was alderman, hospital leader

A former Neillsville city councilman and president of Memorial Hospital’s board of directors, Walter E. ‘Buster’ Brown died on Sunday afternoon, April 29, at his State Street residence.

Brown succumbed after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

Funeral services for Brown were held on Wednesday afternoon, May 2, from the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville with the Rev. Howard Ott of the United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was made in the Neillsville City Cemetery; pallbearers were Kenneth Short, William Simek, Herman Hagedorn, Milo Mabie, Art Gress, and John Bergemann, Sr. (Masonic services were held on Tuesday evening).

The deceased was born on Dec. 28, 1915, in Neillsville to Herbert and Florence (Wilding) Brown. He received his education in local schools, graduating from Neillsville High School in 1933. One year later he began WPA work on dam construction projects.

On March 16, 1937 he married Dorothy Gault in Neillsville ceremonies. The couple farmed in the Town of Grant until 1947, when they moved to Neillsville and he worked with his father at the old Neillsville hospital for 11 years. He then bought the Rooster Bar, which he operated for several years.

Brown was also employed as a custodian for the Neillsville School District for several years. He held a similar position for Neillsville Memorial Hospital and Home until retiring.

In 1979, he was elected to a position on the board of directors for Memorial Hospital and Home. At the present, he was president of the board.

Brown was also a deputy county coroner for 20 years and served the city of Neillsville as an alderman from the second ward from 1975 through January 1 of this year.

Brown was a 32nd degree Mason and was affiliated with the Neillsville F&AM Lodge. He was also an active hunter and fisherman.

Surviving him, besides his wife, are two sons, Dennis of Sun Prairie, and Wayne of Hudson; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; a step-mother, Hazel; and a brother, Wayne.