Gregory Brown Obituary

Gregory Lee Brown, 75, of South Beloit, IL passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, after fighting a valiant fight with cancer for over 6 years. His treasured family was by his side as he left this world. Greg was born on January 7, 1950, in Dixon, IL to John Wesley "Wes" and Dorothy Helen (Schutt) Brown. He spent his childhood living in Sterling, Illinois enjoying what he described at times as an almost Mayberry like existence. He was a Boy Scout and participated in all sports. However, his favorite pastime, which would ultimately become his life long passion was fishing. Indeed, his happiest day as a teenager was when he caught an 8 lb. catfish and made the Sterling Gazette. There were, however, many more fish to come over the course of his life! He attended Sterling High School and Hononegah High School, graduating from Hononegah in 1968. He went on to Rock Valley College and ultimately graduated from Northern Illinois with a degree in Industrial Arts Education and has several hours of post graduate work to his credit also completed at Northern. He worked as a teacher at West High School after college, then moved to the corporate world where he worked at General Mills, Pioneer Life Insurance Company and eventually retired from Joseph James Partners where he was the Bldg. and Administrative Service Manager. In 1984 he married Lisa Jane (Olander) Brown. They enjoyed a beautiful life together which included traveling, ballroom dancing, gardening and camping for almost 42 years. Greg's legacy also includes two sons, Marcus and Kristopher; daughter-in-law, Danielle; and two beautiful grandchildren, Morgan and Rylee. Morgan and Rylee were the lights of his life, and he treasured the camping and fishing trips, playing Uno and letting off fireworks with the grandchildren most of all. Greg is survived by his wife, Lisa (Olander) Brown; sons, Marcus and Kristopher; daughter-in-law, Danielle (Morgan); grandchildren, Morgan Wesley, and Rylee Renae; brothers, Kevin and Michael; two nephews; one niece; brother-in-law, Jeff Olander (Carrie); and so many wonderful friends including best friends, Peter Sterud and Ray Ferguson. Predeceased by parents, John Wesley and Dorothy Helen. Service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 in Honquest Family Funeral Home-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main St., Roscoe with a visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in Scottish Argyle Cemetery. Greg will be deeply missed by all, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roscoe Gardening Club. As Greg would always say as he left a party or family gathering, "Glad you got to see me." Indeed, we are all glad we got to see him and love him. RIP Greg! To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gregory Brown, please visit our floral store.