Robert "Bob" Browne

Robert “Bob” Browne, 76, died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 12, 1936 in Ashland, WI to Robert B. and Margaret J. (Soronen) Browne and has been a lifelong Superior resident.

Bob married Alice Peterson on December 10, 1966 and they celebrated forty-one years of marriage before her passing in June 2008.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956 where he was a jet mechanic. After his discharge he sailed the Great Lakes for two years and was an iron worker for three years. Bob was employed with the Boiler Makers, Local 647 for fifty years before retiring in 1999.

Bob was currently serving as the City Councilman for the north end of Superior. He served on the Douglas County Board from 1990 to 2010 where he served on various committees. He was a member of the Lake Superior Binational Forum and was the founder of Lake Superior Day. His favorite saying was “Water is life. And the quality of water determines the quality of life.” Bob was recently recognized last month for his advocacy. He also helped organize and participated in countless fundraisers such as Bikers for Boobs for breast cancer awareness, the Bong Heritage Center, and other worthy causes with the PIGs motorcycle charity riding group.

Bob is survived by one daughter, Linda Kastner, Cloquet, MN; three sons, Greg (Amy) Browne, Concord, NC, Shawn (Pam) Browne, Lyndon Station, WI and Dennis (Lynn) Browne, St. Paul, MN; nine grandchildren, Missy Graveson, Kirsten, Megan, Katelyn, Aron, Nicole, Michelle, Roberta and Benjamin Browne; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Darlyne Carson, Hayward, WI, Sharon (Dennis) Wiebe, Pardeeville, WI, Melodee (Terry) Ostlund, Hibbing, MN and Marilee (William) Ferfon, Prior Lake, MN and many nieces and nephews especially one special nephew, Gene (Jennifer) Kalligher, Lake Elmo, MN.

In addition to his wife, Bob is preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Graveson.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2013 and will continue until the 1:00 PM Memorial Service at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior with Rev. Charles Plaster, officiating.

Military honors will be accorded by Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 at the church following the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to The PIGs, Rotary Club or to any local youth organizations.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Ave. is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at downs-lesage.com.