William Brown Obituary
William Brown
August 24, 1937 - October 8, 2025
William T "Bill" Brown's earthly life ended on October 8, 2025, following a brief hospitalization. He was born on August 24, 1937 in Warren, Pennsylvania, the second son of Robert and Pearl (Green) Brown.
When Bill was 3 years old, his father, working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, was transferred to Ridgway, PA, where he spent his growing years. He attended school there, where curiosity and love of learning, set him on a path to become a teacher. Following graduation from Ridgway High School in 1955, he entered Indiana State Teacher's College, Indiana, PA graduating in 1959, with a coveted Teaching degree. The teaching career began in a rural community, teaching Social Studies and coaching basketball. Continued learning pursuits took him back to Indiana, now IUP for a Master's degree and later to the University of Montana, Missoula where he earned a Doctorate of Education. Following graduation, the family moved to Eau Claire, where Bill taught in the Psychology department for 32 years.
Bill and Mona Carole Chapman were married following college graduation, they had two children, Lara, followed three years later by Thad. The marriage ended in divorce. A blind date years later introduced him to Joan Cross, the start of a loving relationship and marriage, enduring 33 years, until his death. They enjoyed most things together, but especially skiing, playing golf, motorcycling, traveling to visit family and friends, while taking on interesting experiences and making new friends along the way. Bill was a member of First Congregational UCC, always appreciating worship and music, especially the organ. He enjoyed afternoon trips to local Coffee shops, where lively conversations were had, and Bill always had stories to tell. Once a friend, it was for life. He maintained contact with many, from high school, college days, faculty and students, until his death. Treasuring each one.
Bill is survived by wife, Joan, daughter, Lara (Minneapolis, MN), son, Thad (Medellin, Colombia) Step-grandson's Jacob and Joshua Cross (Cape Coral, FL), brother in law Bill Amundsen Crossville, TN), sister in law Barbara Brown (New Kensington, PA) Nephews, Bob, Pat, Tom and Jim Brown (Pennsylvania).
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob, nephews, Matt and John, step son's Scott and Mike Cross.
A private Celebration of Life is being planned. Interment of ashes will be in the church Memorial Garden.
For anyone wishing to honor Bill, suggestions are First Congregational UCC, 310 Broadway Street, Eau Claire, 54703; Feed My People, 2610 Alpine Rd, Eau Claire, 54703 or any organization caring for the neediest among us.
The family is being served by Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona.
Published by Leader Telegram from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21, 2025.