Ronald "Ron" Brown

Ronald Carl Brown, 73, of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, passed away at his residence on October 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His celebration of life is planned for Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2-4pm at the Knotty Pine in Elbow Lake.

Ronald Carl Brown was born on October 16, 1951, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to Ronald and Jeanette (Synstelien) Brown. He graduated from Elbow Lake High School. After graduation, he worked at the family livestock sales barn, then later he went on to be a brick tender. After some time, he went back into working with cattle at Minnesota Valley Breeders Association, where he helped breed the first “beefalo” in the state. Being a very social person, Ron owned “The Back Door Saloon” and “Someplace Else” which is now known as the Knotty Pine. Ron’s love of music lead him into working as a DJ/Trivia host. He then became a Program Coordinator for group homes in the area for developmentally disabled adults and coordinated local Special Olympics events.

Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing and was known for being good at pool. He was quick to tell a “dad” joke or make a pun of something. He always had sports on the television and enjoyed watching all sports, but baseball was his favorite. He coached and played softball for the local Legion team. Ron was a patient man; the kind of guy who always helped his neighbor and called everyone “friend”. He cherished the time spent on the golf cart with his grandchildren, always having their favorite treats on hand, and showing them how to play pinball and slots on the machines at his home.

Ron is survived by his children, Ronnie Brown (Maggie Murry), Jeremy Brigman, Justin (Jessica) Brigman, Cassandra (Dustin) Jahnke, Levi Brown; grandchildren, Ronald Jacob Brown, Phillip (Della) Brigman, Shelby Rhoades, Stephen Rhoades, Emma Brigman, Ava Jahnke, Cale Jahnke, Lilly Brown; great grandchildren, Penelope Brigman and Damien Brigman; siblings, Roger (Phyllis) Brown, Janice Brown; sister-in-law, Nancy Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, James Brown, Rick Brown, Randy Brown; and niece, Sondra Englund.

Erickson-Smith Funeral Home