Michael Sean Brown

He was born on September 8, 1970 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Norma Jean Brown.

Michael grew up in Mankato, MN and was a 1989 graduate of Mankato West High School before enlisting and honorably serving in the United States Army. Stationed in Bamberg, Germany, Michael was named US Army Europe Soldier of the Year in 1990. He served in Operation Desert Storm and earned the Expert Infantryman Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and six Army Commendation Medals. After his service in the military, Michael attended Rutgers University, where he studied political science and Russian, and thereafter spent his career in information technologies and cybersecurity, having earned his CISSP in 2003. Michael was brilliant at solving complex challenges.

He was a man with many interests including ocean sailing, theater production, traveling, wood crafting, and many outdoor activities such as archery and shooting sports. He was a voracious reader and read in many languages, being self-taught in French, German, Spanish, Hungarian and Russian. As an avid conversationalist he was not only a sponge for learning new things, but a teacher of that which he knew. Michael enjoyed cooking for friends and family, Thanksgiving dinner being his specialty. In addition, his many friends have fond memories of the Goose Feast, Michael’s bid to recreate a genuine Dickens holiday meal. As a sports enthusiast, he was a big Minnesota Vikings fan. Above all, he loved to teach his son various life skills, including marksmanship, camping, boating, and science.

Michael was predeceased by his mother Norma Jean Brown, Aunt Lynne Brown, and maternal grandparents Clara and Winfield J. Brown.

He leaves behind his son, Lachlan Brown of Niskayuna, NY; his dear friend and former spouse, Holly Schneider Brown of Niskayuna, NY; Uncle Gary and Aunt Janice Brown of Waseca, MN; Aunt Joann Rash of Corpus Christi, TX; several cousins; and dog, Katie; as well as many friends throughout the world.

A military burial service will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made in Michael’s memory to The Community Kitchen (thecommunitykitchen.org), in Keene, NH, which welcomes and serves hot meals to those in need, an act that was dear to Michael’s generous heart.