Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson Funeral Service - Thief River Falls on Nov. 17, 2025.
Kevin Duane Brown, age 61, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Kevin was born on June 9, 1964, in
Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Duane Glenn and Linda Marie (Johnson) Brown.
Kevin grew up in Thief River falls, graduating from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1982. He continued his education in Drafting at Thief River Falls AVTI. He enjoyed a 40-year career in marketing with DigiKey, a career that ultimately brought him travels around the globe, doing what he did best: connecting with people.
Kevin was instrumental in starting Epiphany Station church. He recognized that it was an amazing accomplishment. Not because of anything he did but because of what God does if we just say 'Yes' to His leading. The clear, concise, relevant message of "Love God, Love People, Period" is its mission statement and was Kevin's as well.
What was to be a very quick drive through northwest Arkansas in 2014 led to buying a vacation home before leaving town. That purchase kicked off a whole new era of adventure and exploration. Not a day went by without him commenting on his appreciation of the 2020 move to Bella Vista, feeling closer to nature and God while having the time to pursue newfound passions.
Kevin married Heather (Sprague) Brown, in 2013 and together they shared a life filled with adventures, both big and small, and cherished memories with family and friends, both near and far. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Kevin enjoyed college football, Minnesota Vikings, NFL Draft, bible studies, church planting and reaching outsiders, woodworking, book writing, ancestry research (back to the 1400s!) bird watching and call identification, mentorship, discipleship, connecting in conversation, and daily drives with his dogs just to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. He will be remembered for his kindness, ever-present smile, sense of humor, quick wit and use of pop culture references, love and unwavering support for his family, and most importantly, his unshakable faith and love of God.
Kevin is survived by his wife Heather; daughters Ashley "Daisy" McHarg; Kassidy (Travis) Wendell and their children Odin, Otto, Oxly, and Oaklynn; and Tara (Brad) Bisek and their children, Nora, Clare, Jerome, Ruth, and Anna; sister Kristi (Mark) Appell; nephew Kyle (Zandy Stoldt) Appell, niece Kaitlin (Dylan Hunt) Appell, great-nephews Easton Appell and Carter Hunt, aunt Esther Johnson and cousins, Vicki, Brent and Brian Johnson, Sherri (Delroy) Christianson, Kendra (Michael) Hutton, Sheila Jaffe and Debbie (Mike) Evans.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Linda, as well as grandparents Lucille and Andrew Johnson, and Florence and Glenn Brown; uncles and aunts Glenn and Betty Johnson, Richard Johnson, Gary and Shelva Johnson, Dudley Johson, Lavonne Johnson, Judy Johnson, and Sherman and Mona Johnson; cousins Fancy, Connie, Wade and Tammy Johnson and Debra Holmgren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Epiphany Station,
Thief River Falls, MN, 11 AM Friday, November 21, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend, a livestream link can be found at https://www.epiphanystation.com/watch
The family invites friends and loved ones to gather together to celebrate Kevin's life.
If you choose, memorials suggested to Epiphany Station or the Elevate Youth Center, both in Thief River Falls.
With special thanks from the Brown Family
Thank you so much for all your love and support
during such a difficult time. We will be forever grateful.
Please join us for a reception following the service.