Jess Duane Brown, 91

Jess Duane Brown, 91, of Tama, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-Marshalltown under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael McAndrew as celebrant. Interment will be held at a later date at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Tama. A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church.

Jess was born on January 20, 1932, in Tama, Iowa, the son of Jess M. and Mabel (Wilcox) Brown.

He graduated from Tama High School in the Class of 1950.

Jess served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

On November 24, 1956, he was united in marriage to Helen “Jean” Dufour at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. Prior to his retirement in 1994, Jess worked at the Tama Papermill, where he was the Power plant operator and Electrician.

Jess was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, Tama American Legion, V.F.W. and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a former volunteer Firefighter and a charter member and former officer of the U.P.W. local union. In his spare time, Jess enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Cubs and playing cards. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Jean, of Tama; his children: Jeffrey (Diane) Brown, of Chanhassen, MN, Thomas (Lisa) Brown, of Gainesville, GA, Kathleen (Daryl) Staker, of Tama, and Kristin (Ronald) Karkosh, of Wesley Chapel, FL; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; Jess was looking forward to being a great-great grandfather in August; brother-in-law, Paul Polka, of Tama; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters, Dorothy in infancy, Norma Werner and Doris Polka.

Memorials may be directed to Iowa River Hospice.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.