John Francis Brown

It is with great sadness the family of John Francis Brown announces that he died at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California on September 26, 2017 due to complications related to liver and respiratory failure. He was 59.

John was born on September 29, 1957 in Shenandoah, Iowa, to his parents, Doyle and Eileen Brown. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1979 followed by his master’s degree, also from the University of Iowa, in 1980. He resided in Fairfield, Iowa from 1980-2016, where he worked as the city administrator from 1980-2009. He moved to San Diego in 2016, where he resided with his daughter, Julie.

John was an avid sports fan, and in particular loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Kansas City Royals. He also loved reading, his cats, grilling out, and corny puns. He was a devoted father and never missed a game, concert, or event that his children were part of.

John is survived by his 2 children (Julie Brown and Justin Brown), 2 step children (Jennifer Buerkle and Chris Colvin), and his ex-wife (Susan Brown). He was preceded in death by his parents (Doyle and Eileen Brown).

A memorial will take place on November 3 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa. Visitation with the family will start at 4 PM, with service to follow at 5 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation in Fairfield, Iowa, which is where John adopted his beloved cats 14 years ago.