Ray Gust Brown, age 91, of Hudson, Wisconsin, died early in the morning of June 1, 2012 at his home at Red Cedar Canyon in Hudson. Ray was born on July 1, 1920 to Gust and Lillian (Kress) Brown in Somerset, Wisconsin. He grew up in Somerset, attended Somerset Country School and with his parents and siblings, worked the family farm. From 1941 to 1945, Ray served in the US Army as an MP. This included time overseas in the European Theater during WWII. After his military service, he returned home where he took on his lifelong career as a dairy farmer. It was on September 6, 1947 that he was united in marriage to Eleanore Alexander. The two were married at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bayport, Minnesota and the marriage would be blessed by a son, David. Ray and his family continued to work on his dairy farm until 1993 when the animals were sold.

Ray was a lover of the outdoors and very active in his community. He enjoyed fishing the St. Croix River for Northerns and Bass Lake for Walleyes. He was also an avid softball player, bowler and cribbage player. He was a member of the VFW Post 2115 and was very interested in politics. He served on the St Croix County – County Board of Supervisors, and was a chairman for St Joseph’s Township. Beyond his community involvement, Ray was a good neighbor and friend as well as a dedicated grandpa and great-grandpa. He was happy to share in conversation and would never pass up an opportunity to help someone with a project or problem.

Ray is survived by his; wife, Eleanore; son, David (Kathy) Brown of Hudson; grandchildren, Kimberly (Joel) Longnecker of Hudson, Nicki Croes of Fridley, and Laura (Bruce) Vanderwerff of Hudson; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joshua, Alex, Cody, Renee and Owen; sister, Ethel Lyksett of Hudson; brothers, Russell Brown of Somerset and Gust Brown of New Richmond and sisters-in-law, Darlene Brown and Joann Brown.

Ray was preceded in death by his; parents, Gust and Lillian (Kress) Brown and siblings, Gilbert (Arlene) Brown, Elsie (Clarence) Miller, Baya (Reynold) Wert, Earl, Milton and Floyd.

A funeral celebration of life for Ray will be held at 11:30am on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Burkardt. Burial will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Somerset with military honors provided by members of the Hudson VFW and American Legion. A visitation will be held for 2 hours prior to services at the church. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson. 715.386.3725.