Donald Ben Brown
Donald Ben Brown was born Jan. 22, 1925, at Lamont, Nebraska, in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, to John and Rosa (Krutsinger) Brown. Don attended country grade school and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1943.
On June 14, 1947, Don married Betty Joan Eaton in St Francis, Kansas. The couple first settled in an 8x16 trailer house in rural Dundy County. Don and Betty moved the trailer and rented a house until 1982, when the couple built their own home. Rural Dundy County was always home for Don and Betty.
Don was a farmer and rancher. He also was a school bus driver for many years.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Benkelman and the Frenchman Valley Coop of Imperial. Don was a 4-H leader in his younger years and enjoyed fishing, bowling, square dancing and playing cards. He also loved spending time and visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial. He was 98 years of age.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty in 2012; brothers Ken, Bob and Bill Brown; sisters Loraine Grimes, Nina Fortkamp and Jean Welch; and granddaughter Jessica Kautz.
Survivors include children Don (Manette) Brown Jr. of Imperial, Ron (Deb) Brown of Yukon, Oklahoma, Mike (Roxann) Brown of Mullen, Julie (Eric) Kautz of Gering and Linda (Neal) Freese of Plymouth; grandchildren Misty (Shane) Richards, David (Jacci) Brown, Steve (Kathy) Brown, Danny (Megan) Brown, Marc (Jennifer) Brown, Samantha (Sam) Fhuere, Stacy (Adam) Paitz, Kasey (Tony) Norder, Emily Brown, Josh Kautz, Hanna Kautz, Cody (Ashley) Gerlach, Levi Gerlach and Weston Gerlach; great-grandchildren Shelby and Dash Richards, Maddi and Myla Brown, Zachary and Ashley Brown, Wesley and Kara Brown, Kaylin and Lane Brown, Holdyn Fhuere, Avery, James, Harper and Hunter Paitz, Roxann Norder, Kaius Kautz, Micah, Asher, Silas, Hadley, Harlyn and Ethan Gerlach and brother-in-law Don Welch of Imperial.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 17, 2023, 11 a.m. (MT) at the Imperial Berean Church, Imperial, with Pastor Matt Maxwell officiating. Interment followed at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman.
Visitation was held Friday, June 16, 2023, 2–6 p.m. (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home, Imperial.
A memorial in Don’s memory has been suggested to the Imperial Manor Nursing Home, Imperial or donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.