Donald F Brown, age 82 of Lena passed away May 2, 2024 at the Lena Living Center after two years of declining health.  He was surrounded by love from his family and friends during his last few days. He was born January 13 1942 to John and Vivian (Boumgarden) Brown.  He grew up in Dixon, IL, and graduated from Dixon High School in 1960.  He met his bride, Patricia L Dempsey, at the Dixon Dog n Suds (the Dixon version of the Lena Drive Inn), where she was a car hop. They married on September 4 1965 and shared 58 years together.  They were blessed with two daughters, Brenda and Kathy.  The family lived in Grand Detour and Franklin Grove, IL before moving to Lena in 1980, where he lived for the past 44 years.  Don worked for Commonwealth Edison for 38 years retiring in 2005. He spent his retirement years helping Pat with her real estate business and maintaining various rental properties that they owned.  He was often seen driving around Lena in one of his many classic cars, window rolled down and arm resting on the door.  He has an extensive model train collection and enjoyed sharing it with his grandsons and any interested extended family or community member.  He stated he wanted to be remembered for his work ethic, which he has passed on to his daughters.  Don stated he had 3 loves in this world, his wife and daughters, grandsons, and his passion for classic cars. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Lena Lions Club. He was the chairman of the street committee for Fall Festival for 40 years and was very proud at the success of Fall Festival.

Don is survived by his wife, Pat of Lena, children Brenda (Bob) Werhane of Lena, IL, Kathy (Alan) Carda of Eagan, MN; Grandchildren Fritz (Amy) Werhane of McFarland, WI, Adam(Credence) Werhane of Lena;  Aleks and Georgiy Carda of Eagan, MN Great-grandchildren; Bryce Werhane and Vivian Werhane. Beloved grand dogs: Captain, Rookie, and Aspen. Brother Russell (Sue) Brown of New Lenox, IL and special friend of the family Jacyn Stultz (Jon) Harris of Rowley, MA.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vivian Brown, and Brother Warren Brown.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

A visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, IL.

Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

Pastor Jason Shaw will officiate the services.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Lena Lions Club and for St. John's Lutheran Church.