David F Brown

David F. Brown, age 82 of Gurnee, IL passed away peacefully on Feb 5, 2025. David was born in Tipton, Indiana on October 8, 1942 son of the late Allen O. and Margaret (Dane) Brown. David married Connie Russell on June 3, 1961 and was married 56 years.

David is survived by his daughters: Coriena Weil of Grayslake IL, Robin (Michael) Lucas of Irma, WI, and Amanda (Greg) Taylor of Wadsworth, IL. He was a proud grandfather of (8): Jennifer Taylor, Nicholas (Jenn) Taylor, Jonathan Weil, Christine (Marc) Mirretti, William Weil, Robert (Danielle) Lucas, Ariel (Cameron) Wieland and Patrick (Leigha) Lucas. David was blessed with (10) great grandchildren: Corey, Maggie, Michael, Johnathan, Emily, Gemma, Harrison, Lucy, Rose, and Eleanor. He is survived by (3) siblings: Barbara Murphy of Richmond, Virginia. Nancy (Larry) Dailey of Kokomo, Indiana and Bonnie (Alfred) Peters of Goldsmith, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his wife Connie J. Brown, grandson Michael Lucas Jr., son-in-law Larry Weil, parents Allen and Margaret Brown and siblings: Kathleen Brown, Patricia Bronson, Daniel Brown and Michael Brown.

He was a 1961 graduate of Sharpsville Prairie High School. He began his working years as a proud farmer with his father and brothers at the Allen O. Brown & Sons farm in Tipton, Indiana. He also worked for Petrolane Gas/Amerigas and eventually began working for the Warren Township Highway Department until his retirement.

Upon his move to Gurnee Illinois, David became active in community service. As the story goes, he moved his family on a snowy day in February 1975. Before the trucks were unloaded, he volunteered at Grandwood Park Lake to clear snow for the ice fishing contest. From that day on, David was known as the quiet force who took care of Grandwood Park. He became dedicated to his local community and spent most of the next 50 years on numerous organizations including: Grandwood Park Civic Association and Grandwood Park Park District for 30+ years, a trustee for Warren Township and Waukegan-Warren Fire Protection District. David also served as president of the Warren Special Recreation Association for 6 years supporting the mission to provide various recreational programs for children with special needs to the communities supported by the Warren Township Center. He remained a constant presence at community events. He was an inspiration for many with his endless hard work, perseverance, and leadership.

An immensely proud and supportive grandfather, David was always there for daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether it was a school play, sporting event, or life event, he was there.

David never forgot his native home of Tipton, Indiana. He returned often for family reunions and the infamous annual Pork Festival. For many years, he alongside his wife Connie and his beloved in-laws: Mike, Beth, and Doug, cooked the infamous pork chops for the annual Pork Festival. The pork chops were cooked in the parking lot of the courthouse and the spot became known by many as “Pork Chop Hill.”

David was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. A quiet man who enjoyed his family and fellowship of others. He was adored by so many and will be greatly missed.

A visitation for David will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the Marsh Funeral Home (305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL) from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will also be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at The Church of St. Patrick's Catholic Church (15000 West Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, IL) from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow at 11:00 am. Following Mass, interment will be held at Millburn Cemetery (18577 W. Millburn Road, Old Mill Creek, IL).

In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice in David’s memory. Here are some recommendations: American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association.