John "Norm" Brown Jr.

John N. Brown Jr. “Norm”, age 93 of Tomahawk, WI passed away on April 11, 2026 at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew him. Norm was born on August 19,1932 in Tomahawk, WI to John N. Brown Sr. and Vesta A. Brown.

Known by all as an avid fisherman, he was happiest when he had a fishing pole in his hand. It was a standing joke that he could catch a fish in a mud puddle since you could be sitting next to him as he continually reeled them in and you caught nothing! Norm was a truly talented mechanic and body repair man. He had the rare gift of being able to fix or build just about anything. There was no problem too big or small, and many friends and family relied on his skill as well as his willingness to always help without hesitation. Norm worked for Comeau Motors in his younger years and later for R&J Body Shop, retiring after 23 years. Prior to Norm’s retirement in 1995, his bosses at R&J assigned him the task of building a two-ended car, joking that he couldn’t retire until it was finished. His former boss can attest to that fact that there were only three men who brought this creation to life. Norm did the building of the vehicle, William “Bill” Davis did the original paint job, and Don Braydon did the aligning (and other mechanicals) making sure it was road safe. (Kevin Hanse later repainted the car with a color-changing finish). This talented trio created a vehicle that was quite the conversation piece whether it was being driven in local fourth of July parades, or making people do a double take when it was driven down the highway! Norm’s vehicle gave the illusion that it was drivable from both ends while it was only drivable from one. If anyone says that they had a hand in its building, ask for particulars on how it was accomplished. Only Norm could tell you the specifics needed and some of his secrets to bring it to success! Beyond his many talents, Norm will be remembered for a strong work ethic, his love of fishing or puttering in his yard and garage, and for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling and uncle to his large family.

Norm is survived by his wife of 51 years, Irene Brown, Tomahawk; daughter, Sandy (Keith) Brown- Lundmark, Tomahawk; son, Kurt N. Brown, Tomahawk; step children, John Greene, Beaver Dam, WI; Connie (Dave) Rausch, White Lake WI; Vickie (Greg) Gibson, Fort Collins, CO; Jeff Greene, Mayville, WI and Randy Greene, Markesan, WI. Granddaughters, Chanell (Garrett) Nutter, Wausau; Myranda (Codi) Strassman-Jordan, Tomahawk; Ashtyn (Derek) Eberl, Tomahawk; Taira Petersen, Tomahawk; sisters, Betty Swarmer; Ruby (Lawrence) Schoone; Marion Coey; brothers, Richard Brown; Harry (Lillie) Brown and Jerry Brown.

Norm is further survived by great-grandchildren Olivia and Jace Nutter, Wausau, Mia and Caroline Jordan, Emma Williams, Bodhi Petersen, and Gracie Eberl, all of Tomahawk. 7 Step-grandchildren and 12 great step- grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Debbie Howard, sister, Vesta Lawrence, and brothers, Benjamin Brown and David Brown.

Per Norm’s request, no funeral services will be held. Interment will be at Prairie Rapids Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.