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Bob and Corrine Abel
July 24, 2009
Oh Dear Mikey Brown, how very sad our family was to hear you left us so suddenly! Guess you wouldn't have had it any differently though, you were heading out on a great journey... little did you know it was going to be the greatest one you've ever been on! Your life has impacted SO MANY PEOPLE! Ditto to all the other wonderful comments about you. I remember when you and Linda surprised us on our Honeymoon at Lutsen's Resort after the first night we were there! You, Linda, Ron and Deniece! How funny you guys were! That was in 1973. We had so many fun snowmobile trips together and your annual Taco Parties too where we stayed up all night once and that was before we were married and my Dad met me at the front door at 5:30am!!! Oh boy. (That was Corrine's Dad.) Carmen and Vern Abel (Bob's Parents) loved you as a Son. You'd stop by many times and stay til 1am or later, just talking the night away with everyone. You fell in love with Bob's sister in high school and you were part of the Abel family forever after. Barbara became a flight attendant and was transferred to Seattle then. Hearts were broken! Just want you to know how precious of a man you were and you will always be in our minds and hearts! LOVE YOU MIKEY BROWN!!!!! Bob and Corrine Abel from Excelsior (in those days, we live in Branson, MO now for past 23 years)
Mike in the dessert 2007
July 23, 2009
Bob and Janet George
July 21, 2009
Our sympathy to the Brown family. We met Mike through the fire service and had a great deal of respect for him.
As former owners of CompressAir & Equipment Co. we worked with him. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Nancy Rettinger Connolly
July 21, 2009
My condolences to Mike's family and friends, especially George and Paul Rettinger who will miss you terribly.
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July 21, 2009
My Condolences to Mike's Family Mike was a great guy I met him through my parent's. Mike was on the Fire Department With my Dad.
Mary Tweedy (Statema) Buffalo, Minnesota
July 20, 2009
Mke, The fire service has lost a dedicated brother. Your dedication and service to the Long Lake area will be greatly missed. As a sign of respect, I have placed a black band on my badge which will remain until the funeral service is over. Rest in peace Mike you deserve it.
Kurt Lathrop
Fire Marshal
Bradenton Florida
Del and Gloria Ellingson
July 20, 2009
It was with great sadness that we learned Wednesday morning of the terrible accident that took your life. We were filled with feelings of shock and thoughts of the injustice of it all, you certainly didn't deserve that outcome. I feel fortunate to have known you throughout the years and will cherish the memory of our last conversation at Rick and Deb's party this past Memorial weekend. You were the kind of person I felt better about myself for having known you. You will be greatly missed Mike.I do take comfort in my belief that you are now with our heavenly father in heaven enjoying the fruits of your labors here on earth. I like to imagine you and Steve riding the most awesome Harleys on the most spectacular of God's heavenly highways. Enjoy the scenery and have a great ride Mike!
July 20, 2009
Mike- We were so looking foreward to this bike trip to New Mexico and Colorado. Now it is over before it even began, as we were Scheduled to leave the next morning to meet up with our group in Dodge City Kansas, what a terrible change of events. Now we are left remembering the bike trips of the past. The trip to Lake Louise and Jasper, the winter bike trip to Phoenix Arizona, and best of all. The bike trip to Alaska. It was very long, but it sure was eventful. Sorry for the incident with the Military Police. I am sure happy our background checks were OK or it could have been ugly. It was kind of funny after they released us. As I got to know you I realized what I like about Small Town America - You were Small Town America, so dedicated to the Community. I remember you when I was 13 or 14 years old and you had a Harley Davidson. I watched you ride by Teds Pharmacy and I thought Someday I want to own a bike like that. Well now I do. We had a great time riding with you. Many Great Memories. "HAPPY TRAILS" and THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. We will Miss you Mike. Glen and Chris Neddermeyer, Long Lake , Minnesota
Kevin & Mary Hatcher
July 20, 2009
Mike,
We will always cherish the many times you guided us along on our rides and will always remember your kindness and smiling face. Words cannot express the void your leaving us has left in our hearts.
The Brackens
July 20, 2009
Mike was the best neighbor anybody ever had. We were comforted by his presence and ever willingness to offer a helping hand. The Bracken family has been touched by his presence and will miss him greatly.
Larry & Sue Kostka
July 19, 2009
My Husband, Larry, went to school with Mike, & I went to school with Linda. Mike was always the one you admired and could count on. Once a Friend, Always a Friend.
At one point Mike dated a friend of mine from NWA. She said he was so gallant and would do anything for her. When they broke up, she said "he is just TOO GOOD to be true". I said that was just Mike being Mike.
He will be missed by so many people. He never forgot to give you a wave or a smile whenever he saw you. He contributed so much to the community that he loved.
God Speed on your new journey,
July 19, 2009
My deepest sympathys to the friends and families of Mike Brown what a loss..... Rudy Van Hemert "President" Delano Chapter Post # 377 American Legion Riders,MN
Amy Reed McCrossan
July 19, 2009
Mike - What will we do without you? You have been such an important part of our family and a wonderful friend to my parents. Words cannot express how much they/we will miss you.
You spent your life dedicated to saving lives and on July 15th, unknown to you at the time, you saved the lives of 4 of your closests friends, Roger, Larry and my Mom and Dad. I know you will watch over, protect and be their guardian angel from above while riding along side them. Ride with them and keep them safe.
You are gone too soon, but will always be part of our family memories and forever missed.
N. Jerde
July 19, 2009
Nothing hurts as much or brings us together as much as losing one of our own.
Mike will be missed as a friend and brother firefighter.
July 18, 2009
IN MEMORY OF MIKE BROWN
I've been reading your guest book
It made me step back and take a look
Mike has touched all of lives in so many ways
The friendships & caring he had could keep us all talking for days
The devotion to Long Lake he had
and how it has now ended is so sad
The Long Lake Fire Dept. will not be the same
I bet a truck will soon have his name
My kids grew up living door to Mike
He never got upset and told them to take a hike
My 1st Corn Days I asked Mike to burn a brat
He looked at me with his smile and that is what I got
The other night my daughter told me Mike was such a good man
He was always willing to lend a hand
Now whenever I see a fire truck go by
I will always think of you Mike and wave HI
We will miss you so much Mike
I'm so happy you were able to end lifes journey on your bike
lmkf 07/2009
Jack Heinecke
July 18, 2009
Where did you go Mike ? I have known you for over 50 years. We rode on your Harley when we were in the 10th grade and played football together in high school. We have been friends many years and you were in my wedding as well as I was in yours. Recently we started riding bikes together and had great times. Talked almost every other day on the phone and knew each other very well. I shall miss you alot Mike and the times we were suppose to have together.. See you again Mike in due time.
Take care Jack Heinecke
Fred & Ellen Rettinger
July 18, 2009
Mike,
So many great memories, "where to start"? You being a part of our wedding, to night's out with you and Linda, football parties, snowmobiling, yearly taco parties and on it goes.
Mike, you will be greatly missed, by all who knew you. The Fire Department and Long Lake, will never be the same, without you. Ride on Mike!!
Love, Fred & Ellen Rettinger
Mike
July 18, 2009
Taco Party
July 18, 2009
July 18, 2009
Ann Thies & Margie Thies Lauer
July 18, 2009
The Thies and Brown families can trace our family's relationship back to pioneer days. The Thieses and Mike attended Holy Name and Orono schools together. Long Lake has lost a committed and true native son.
Our Condolences
Joe Thies
July 18, 2009
Mike, like your father you were a great man. Growing up as a youngster I thought your dad was the nicest man in the world. You and I were never close, but I know why my parents named you as my godfather. You were a great role model and I always admired you from a distance, I wish now I had told you. I will never forget you.
Carl Horton
July 18, 2009
I remember Mike with that hearty laugh and his safety-consciousness in our H.O.G. meetings and rides. It was obvious from talking to others at the accident site how much you were loved and how much you will be missed. Every twist of the throttle will remind me of you this week. Ride in peace brother.
July 17, 2009
Mike, your passing and the manner of your passing saddened me beyond words. I grew up next door to you in the house that formerly was a flourmill. I believe your grandparents converted the mill to a house. I was four years younger than you were but your membership with the Cheetah MC stimulated an early interest in motorcycles—I would see the bikes come and go from your home. Since, on a Harley, I traveled every one of the 48 contiguous states, most several times, and all Canadian provinces bordering the US. Without knowing it, you affected one of the best facets of my life. Periodically, when I venture from Missouri and visit the area, I pause at your parent’s gravesite to reminisce although I know they are not there but in Heaven.
I offer heartfelt condolences to your surviving family and friends.
Ray Siljander (aka Raimund Silja)
Pauline Melville
July 17, 2009
My name is Pauline and I was a long time girlfriend of Mikes stepson Paul Bryant. I wanted to tell you how much Mike meant to me as I was growing up with Paul, Mike and Nancy.
Mike was a great man and always saw the best in me. Mike was a strong man and always kept balance in the family.
Paul and I were not always the best behaved and when we weren't he made sure to lead us in the right direction.
We had fun taking ski trips up to Michigan and getting up there just in time for the fish fry, cheese curds and a poppy seed salad at Don & Gegee's. Going up to Encampment with the family was always an adventure.
The best was eating one of our favorite meals "steak sandwiches" that Nancy would make for us. He always was furious with we me when I would put ketchup on a perfectly made steak!! I got hooked on Bryer's vanilla ice cream because it was Mike's favotite flavor and always had some before we retired to bed.
I am very glad that he was apart of my life for the past 23 years. I hope I touched his life as much as he touched mine.
You will always hold a very special place in my heart Mike Brown!
You will be greatly missed!!!
(formerly of Prior Lake, MN)
July 17, 2009
While watching KARE11 News, Gary and I were shocked to hear of the accident. We have fond memories of Mike and the great times that we had on our two ski trips out West. We last saw Mike at his home for the celebration of his 40th birthday. Our sympathy to his family and to his friends.
Gary and Chris Niemi - Baxter, MN
July 17, 2009
While wathcing KARE 11 News - Gary and I were shocked to hear of the accident. We have fond memories of Mike on the two trips we took together out West. We last saw Mike at his home during the celebration of his 40th birthday. Our sympathy to his family and his friends.
Gary and Chris Niemi
Baxter, MN
Taken in 1983 in Prescott, WI by Kay Anderson 1983
July 17, 2009
July 17, 2009
From the very 1st time we met at your dad's house the sale of sales in Long Lake I saw that you were a GENERAL> and a very nice man.. May you always be there as you were to help all during your firemans duties.. Take care have a Great ride in the sky.John & Sandy sorenson Long Lake MN
July 17, 2009
Dear Nancy Brown,
My condolences to you and your family.
I worked with you at Methodist Hospital 20 years ago. Lost touch with you. Nancy I'd send you a card but I'm having trouble locating you.
I had never met Michael but my husband Mark had done a painting of your dog for Michael as a gift.
Nancy you could get a hold of me at Methodist 952-993-5154.
Our thought's are with you at this difficult time, Laurie, Mark, Ava and Brett.
July 17, 2009
July 17, 2009
My condolonces to the Brown Family. Long Lake has lost one of their best. I have fond memories of "Brownie" from Fire Department days long ago when Dan was on the Department. He will be missed.
Pat Hertzenberg (Reed)
Garrett Ziegler
July 17, 2009
Mike was my most generous lemonade stand customer and he always bought stuff from me for the school fundraisers. He was nice to me. We will miss him riding his Harley down our street. He always waved to us.
Susie Rettinger
July 17, 2009
Mike you were special in so many ways to Rettinger Family. When ever meeting you on the road you always gave me a wave hello. Thank you for your friendship and service to City of Long Lake. All of us will miss you.
Tom Wasgatt
July 17, 2009
I feel blessed that I was able to spend a lot of time with Mike over the years. Belonging to a Fire Department is like joining the Marine Corp.You enjoy a bond that lasts for life.I've known Mike since high school. We used to be the only ones in Long Lake that would be up all night snow plowing. Mike, George Rettinger and I spent a lot of time resoring the 1926 Studebaker Fire Truck that he rightfully drove in the parade every year.The night before the accident Mike sent out an E-Mail about living life to the fullest.He certainly did that and has an enormous amount of friends to prove it. I not only lost a friend but I also lost a brother.
Retired Long Lake Fireman Tom Wasgatt
Marlys Ann Dorfer
July 17, 2009
Dear Brown family,
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. I do not know you personally, but having a father and brother in the Wayzata Fire Department and losing both of them, I know how hard it hits all of the "Firefighter families" when they hear this. My brother loved "Corn Days" and I know you were there for "JJ Hill Days" and it was a wonderful sharing of communities. Keep the faith and you will realize how many, many people will be there to help in any way they can.
Bless you all....
Marlys Ann Dorfer
Amy Schmidt (Becker)
July 17, 2009
Mike - I write this with a heavy heart - thank you for all your memories over the years with our family - our ski trips to Michigan, rides on the Studebaker truck, you playing Santa Claus and most recently your support when Dad passed. I'm sure you and Dad are keeping each other company and hopefully not causing too much trouble...
Bonnie Kaster
July 17, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pamela Horton
July 17, 2009
Mike, This happened so unfairly. What a SHOCK is an under statement. The brief time I knew you in our HOG group was surely a plesaure. Thank you for teaching me safety, and stressing to wear all my gear when I ride. You are always in my heart. Prayers and sympathy to the family you have left behind. Peace :)
Kay Anderson
July 17, 2009
Mike, dear Mike, on July 15th you were beginning a long journey on your beloved bike with your friends; at that same time, how ironic it was, I was driving with my sister to our golf league at Lakeview Golf Course around 7:00 AM; along the way three police cars with sirens blaring came up flying by us and I said to my sister something terrible must be happening ahead of us on our highway. After returning home at 1:30PM I immediately received a phone call from my sister who I had dropped off telling me you had been killed in a motorcycle accident.
My heart went out to you, Mike, as we have known each other for many years. 27 years ago, during which time we had been seeing each other, my family all loved you as well, but things didn't work out for us, because I believe the reason being that I had three children from a former marriage and you were always quite a free spirit; however thru the years we have remained good friends, and you grew to know my present husband, Mike also, and enjoyed our visits on Memorial Days and Corn Days and so on.
When my husband and I came back from seeing where the accident happened, we stopped at the Fire House to give our condolences, and then proceeded to drive by your home and reminisce; while there, a reporter from Channel 11 News proceeded to ask me if I knew Mike Brown, and while holding back tears I tried to explain your love for Long Lake, your love for your bike and most of all your dedication to the Long Lake Fire Dept; how very lucky to have had your kind of devotion all those years.
Mike, you are on a new journey now; we really all are on our journey, some just reach their destination before others. You will always be in my heart, remembering the times when we would ride free on your Gold Wing bike at that time, or when skiing down Indian Head Mtn. or Blackjack Mtn. in upper Michigan,
God bless and keep you riding free!
July 17, 2009
Mike's footprint on the community he served for 45 years will never be forgotten. Mike made a differance and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Mike your earned it.
Neil Wolfe
Hamel Fire Dept
Brett Short
July 17, 2009
Mike,
I knew you primarily through my dad, and consider myself lucky to have been in that circle. You were and will always be, one of the "good-guys".
Jen Nalls
July 17, 2009
Mike, thank you for being such a great friend and mentor to my husband over the years on the department. You truley will be missed by everyone that knew you. I will never make another batch of beer bread without thinking of you.
Ruth Ann Eisinger-Jayson
July 17, 2009
Growing up in Long Lake in the 50's, Mike and his sister Susan, and parents were part of my family's life. We spent many a summer's evening playing softball, tag, etc. at the old Long Lake school grounds. I remember his father giving us rides in his motorcycle sidecar. Mike always was a kind person to me. My sympathy to Susan and his extended family.
Anna Alger Tolladay
July 17, 2009
Hearing the news of Mike’s passing brings back so many memories of living in Long Lake. Thank you Mike, for being there for my family tragedies. May your family and friends take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over them.
BONNIE KELLER
July 16, 2009
MIKE YOU WILL BE MISSED THANK-YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDLY SMILE AND FRIENDSHIP .BONNIE KELLER
BONNIE KELLER
July 16, 2009
MIKE YOU WILL BE MISSED THANK-YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDLY SMILE AND FRIENDSHIP . BONNIE KELLER
Venita Cronk (Tesch)
July 16, 2009
Mike, my memories go way back to high school and hot summer nights when you rescued me and took me riding. I've thought of those rides often. I always felt so safe and secure with you.
You set quite a standard. I hope many follow it. You were the best.
Happy trails, Mike
Molly Hursh
July 16, 2009
Oh Mike....Thanks for making me laugh, thanks for making me feel safe on my motorcycle, thanks for being a great friend, thanks for "buying" me breakfast at the Fire House Pancake Breakfast the day after my Mom died.....I wish we had more time! I miss you already, but your handsome, smiling face will be in my mind and your kind spirit will be in my heart forever...
George & Jean Reiser
July 16, 2009
We are all going to miss you! I am so glad we have our wonderful memories, Snowmobile trips and the parties. Rest in peace friend.
July 16, 2009
From the Lynn Kleven-Ford Family
(Coon Rapids)
Mike, We lived next door to you in Long Lake for 17 years, you were always the thoughtful and helpful neighbor one could ever ask for. You would give Jenny, Justin and Adam a ride down the street on your bike.(they always had to wear a helmet too) You'd put up with them over helping you wash your bike or vehicles.
The news of you going home was very sad to hear. You will always be missed. We are BLESSED to have known you. Long Lake will miss the best kind hearted person they've ever known.
Lynn and Family
The Smith's
July 16, 2009
Our road trips were always amazing. We'll treasure the memories, Mike!
Charlotte Zumbusch
July 16, 2009
From the Freund Family (Charlotte Zumbusch, Gretchen Cashmore and Garth Freund)
Mike was a neighbor from day one, a friend who you could alway count on, and a rock of strength to our family upon the death of our father, a fellow retired fire fighter.
He was a shining example of the wonderful people you grow up with in small town Minnesota, and he will be greatly missed.
Gretchen Freund
July 16, 2009
Mike, Missing you is an understatement. You were always the guy that lived next door to me, Busters son. You were there when my father took his life and stayed with us at the hospital with our extended family, you are a part of my family. Always stopped to say hello, always asking "How are Bud and Joyce?" You are a good man and we will miss you.
Lisa Golle
July 16, 2009
Thank you for your service to our community and for always being so nice to me. You will be missed.
Tim Reed
July 16, 2009
My Sincere Condolences to Mike's Family. He has touched many lives....
He surley will be missed...
God does have a plan for all of us...
Annie Otten
July 16, 2009
Mike, Tim & I will always treasure our memories of our time with you on our bike trips, you will be forever missed and forever loved.
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