Velda Janie (Newcomb) Brown, age 92, passed away peacefully in Elk River, Minnesota. Born on April 22, 1933, in Randall, Minnesota, Velda lived a full and vibrant life marked by generosity, dedication, and spirited hospitality.
At 16, with her brother Red, Velda ventured to North Dakota, where she began her working life as a waitress. This chapter sparked her lifelong love of travel and deepened the connections she cherished with friends and family. After returning to Minnesota, Velda married the love of her life, Kenneth Brown, on March 17, 1951, in a beautiful ceremony at the St. Paul Cathedral. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service
Velda later studied nutrition in Duluth, which prepared her to lead the school food program at Epiphany, where she fed generations of students with both nourishment and care. A proud leader and devoted member of her community and local Catholic Church, she served as an election judge and was never one to shy away from standing up for what she believed in. Her remarkable knowledge of local roads, land boundaries, and area history made her a trusted resource and a passionate voice in community matters.
Her door was always open, her liquor cabinet always stocked, and her heart always welcoming. Whether it was a game of cards, a home-cooked meal, or a spontaneous gathering, Velda made everyone feel like family.
Velda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Brown; her parents, Herman and Luella Newcomb; and her siblings Marie, Jim, Floyd, Donnie, and Bonnie. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Shirley, Richard, and Jannie.
She is survived by her children: Sandra (Gary) Svendsen, Beverly (Trevor) Walsten, Steven Brown, Kelly (Colette) Brown, and Michael (Nancy) Brown. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and was further blessed by many great-grandchildren who were lucky enough to experience her love, stories, and unforgettable meals.
Velda was the kind of woman who didn’t need to write her recipes down—she carried them, and so much more, in her heart and memory. Her legacy is one of strength, service, laughter, and unconditional welcome.
A visitation and celebration of Velda’s life will be held on Monday, June 2nd. Visitation starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville, Minnesota. Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. All are welcome to join in remembering a woman who gave so much to so many. Arrangements for Velda are with the Iten Funeral Home of Browerville, MN.
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