Obit: Brown, Franklin E. (1895 - 1982)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brown, King, Hogg, Tibbetts, Bodamer, Grap

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/8/1982

Brown, Franklin E. (17 April 1895 – 4 April 1982) With Flag

Franklin E. Brown, a well-known retired jeweler in Neillsville, passed away in Neillsville Memorial Home on Sunday evening, April 4. Mr. Brown was 86.

The deceased was born on April 17, 1895, in the Town of Grant to Peter and Lucy (King) Brown. He received his early education in Town of Grant and Neillsville Schools. He then attended the School of Horology at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, returning to Clark County to open a jewelry store in Humbird.

On February 22, 1918, he entered the military, serving in Europe, until July 29, 1919. He returned to Neillsville and opened a jewelry store, a business that remained in operation until 1955, when it was sold to the present owner Gary Corey.

On January 1, 1923, he married Frances A. Hogg, in Melrose ceremonies. Brown, who made his home on Oak Street in Neillsville, was a resident of the Neillsville Memorial Home for the past 18 months. He was a longtime member of the county’s veterans service board. He was also a member of the local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the F.&A.M. Lodge, the Madison Zor Temple and the Eau Claire Consistory.

Surviving him, besides his wife who is a resident of Neillsville Memorial Home, are two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Marguerite) Tibbetts of Beloit and Mrs. Robert (Joan) Bodamer of Thorp; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Philip; and a brother, Benjamin.

Funeral services were to be held this morning (Thursday, April 8) from the Masonic Temple: Wayne Grap was to officiate. Burial was to be made in the Neillsville City Cemetery, following the 11:00 a.m. service. (Visitation was to be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning one hour prior to services at the temple.) The Gesche Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.