John Brown

Munising Col. John Brown, age 77, of Munising, passed away on January 18, 2009 in Hastings, Michigan at the home of his sister, Connie Signs. He was born on December 1, 1931 in Mason, Michigan, the son of the late Fred and Ellen Brown. John was raised in the Mason area and was a graduate of Mason High School. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. John then entered the Michigan State Police in 1956, retiring as a Detective Sergeant in 1979. He then entered the auctioneering business, having his first sale on April 26, 1981 at the Munising Auction Barn. He said many times that Munising was good to him and he was blessed for his many friends and "buddies." John will be sadly missed as he was an inspiration to his family and friends. John's special dear friend and companion of many years, Betty Rohac, died on February 18, 2009. He is survived by his daughters - Daniele Ashe (Michael) of California, Denise Hogan (Patrick) of Washington, Pamela Thompson (Steve) of Auburn, MI, Tamara Golimbieski (Paul) of Sterling, MI, and Lisa Ottoman of Washington; 14 grandchildren; sister - Connie Signs of Hastings; niece - Lana Flierarman (Lance) of Hastings; and nephew - Barrie (Brenda) Signs of Hastings. A Memorial Service for John will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Bowerman Funeral Home. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Pastor John Arbogast will conduct the memorial service. Following the service, there will be a fellowship gathering upstairs at Sydneys.