Charles R. Brown, (82), of Rochester, died August 1, 2009, at Samaritan Bethany Heights in Rochester.  He was born April 8, 1927 in Pleasant Grove Township.  He attended Brown country school (district 102), and graduated from Stewartville High School in 1944.  He joined the Navy and served two years before his discharge in 1946.  Most of his tour of duty was aboard the USS Alpine (APA -92).  In September 1946 he began working at the Mayo Clinic.  He worked in the department of Radiology for 46 years until his retirement in October, 1992.

On April 8, 1947 he married Geraldine Ellstrom in Rochester.  Survivors include his wife, three sons and two daughters:  Jeff (Kate) Brown of Stewartville, Greg (Kathy) Brown of Austin, Cindy (Bob) Groettum of Rochester, Terry (Shelley) Brown of Eden Prairie, and Julie Brown (special friend, Marc) of Rochester; a brother, John (Betty) Brown of Burnsville; twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, Monday Quarterbacks Club and was a charter member of St. Pius X Catholic Church.  He was very proud of his 12 grandchildren and enthusiastically supported their interests and activities.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 7, at 10:30AM at Resurrection Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating.  Friends may call Thursday, August 6, from 4:30PM – 7:00PM at Macken Funeral Home and a half hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.  Burial will be Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to: Gift of Life Transplant House and St. Pius X Catholic Church.