Arthur Norman Brown

Brown, Arthur Norman Age 86 died 11/5/09 in Tucson, AZ. Born May 7, 1923 in Hartford, WI, he also grew up in Durand and Mukwonago, WI. Art served in the U.S. Army 86th Infantry in WWII, enlisting 2/13/1943, served as a machine-gunnery sergeant, saw active combat in Europe and was in one of the few units also deployed to the Asian theater (Philippines). After active service ended March 1946, he was an officer in the Army reserves until 1960. Before and after his time in the service, Art attended Beloit College and worked for several years teaching English and geography. On 6/17/1950 he married Marygray "Midge" Orcutt whom he met at Beloit. After graduating from UW Madison in 1951, he began work at General Mills in the human resources department, moved to Canada in 1953 until 1957 when he returned to Minneapolis. He handled HR for the new flour mill and set up training, traveling extensively. As Director of General Mill Europe (London, 1973-1977) he worked to consolidate many different companies from many different cultures. In Minneapolis again from 1977-1985 he was Director, Corporate HR and on several occasions refused a promotion to vice president because he thought the title would make him too difficult for an average worker to approach. Retired in 1985. Art was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis and served as Trustee, Deacon, and Elder. In retirement he was active in his hobbies of fishing, photography, geology, archeology, golf, travel, Tohono Chul (where he served as a director) and Pima Community College. Survivors include Doug and Amelia Brown, Jody and Kevin Watts, Mackenzie and Ayako Brown; grandchildren Brian, Terry, Nolan and Renee. Many thanks to staff and friends at the Amber Lights retirement community where he enjoyed many years, and to the staff at Casa de la Luz Hospice A memorial service will be held in Tucson AZ. Interment will be in Minneapolis at a later date. Memorial contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403, or Beloit College, Office of External Affairs, 700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511.