John Brown

John M. “Papa” Brown, 73, of Wausau, died Wednesday June 9, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.





John was born February 13, 1937 in Escanaba, Mich. to the late Edward and Bernice (Forest) Brown. He married Regina “Tina” Anderson. John worked for Graphic Packaging before retirement.


John’s early years were spent in Escanaba, Mich. where he graduated from Holy Name High School in 1956. He participated in football, baseball and especially hockey. He was a member of the semi-pro Escanaba Hawks, who won the Jensen Cup in 1956. John moved to Wausau in 1963 and brought with him his love of hockey. He was a founding member of the Youth Hockey Association. Under John’s leadership, hockey in the Wausau Area expanded from one rink in Marathon Park, to four youth hockey rinks in Riverview, Thom Field and John Marshall. He touched hockey players in Wausau from 1964 to the present. John got the chance this spring to watch his grandson Travis play in the State High School Championship game with his son Steve coaching. John officiated, coached and was the time keeper for over 35 years for West hockey. In 2004 he was awarded the Award of Excellence by High School Hockey Unlimited. John was also a gifted softball player both in the Upper Pennsula of Michigan and here in Wausau. He will be greatly missed.





Survivors include his Wife Regina of Wausau, one son Stephen (Connie) Brown of Wausau, two daughters; Jacqueline Brown of Wausau, Michele “Micki” (Clark) Yolitz of Colfax, 8 grandchildren; Travis, Thomas, and Samantha Brown, Michelle and Savannah Felch, and Corey, Samantha, and Andrew Yolitz, two brothers; Jim (Andrea) Brown, Jerry (Karen) Brown of Omro, one sister-in-law Arlene Brown of West Allis and many nieces and nephews.


John was preceded in death by one brother, Bob Brown.





Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Tuesday June 15, 2010 at the Church of St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. until the time of services at the church. The Helke Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with arrangements.





The Family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.