Michael J. Brown

Michael J. Brown, of Pewaukee, passed away on March 29, 2022 at the age of 64 years, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Jackie for 42 wonderful years. Devoted father to the children he adored: Jonathan (Stephanie) Brown, Matthew (Amanda) Brown, Kristin (Justin) McGuire; loving grandfather to Madalynn, Katelyn, Makenna, Junior, Nora and Rowan and loyal brother to Patti Weske (Werner Zeitler), Cathy Witkowski, Fred (Lori) Brown, Margaret (Dan) Karius, Barb (Bob) Hucke, Jim (Jackie) Brown and Bobby (Pam) Brown.

He also loved his extended family on the Hucke side:  His father-in-law, David Hucke; sisters and brothers-in-law:  Geri Czarnecki, Dan (Cheryl) Hucke, Jill (Jeff) Gabrielsen, Bob (Barb) Hucke, Jenny (John) Gilbertson, and Mike (Shelly) Hucke. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Catherine Brown; his mother in law, Bette Hucke; his brother in law, David Witkowski; his niece, Liz Witkowski; his great nephew, Macklin Karius and his first born son, Daniel Brown.

Michael had a special place in his heart for his six Godchildren: David Weske, Katie Wilson, Allyson O’Leary, Jamie Robers, Stephanie Berg, and Ciara Gilbertson.

He also enjoyed spending time with all of his nieces and nephews.

Michael married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jackie, in 1979. His love and loyalty to her went far beyond measure. To Michael, family was everything. His wife and children were always his number one priority. Anyone who knew him would tell you that he had the extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone that crossed his path. He believed in helping people become the best version of themselves. He was an intentional listener. He would spend hours upon hours investing himself in others. Michael was positive and passionate. His laughter was contagious, and he always saw the good things in life.

Michael was known to many as “Coach Brown.” He dedicated his life to coaching Pewaukee Youth Wrestling for 27 years, as well as Pewaukee Youth Soccer for 15 years. During these years, he coached all 3 of his children and many of their friends and peers. However, it did not stop there. Michael continued coaching and making an impact well after Jon, Matt and Kristin graduated.

He had the unique gift of empowering others to believe in themselves and their skills. The creativity in which he did so was unmatched. He didn’t only coach the sports of wrestling and soccer, his impact for these young players was far beyond the sport. He was teaching them about life.

We would like to thank Lakewood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center for their compassion and kindness during the 2.5 years Michael was a resident. We would also like to thank Brighton Hospice for all they have done to care for Michael during his final months and hours. The staff made what could have been one of the most difficult moments, a peaceful transition that we feel blessed to be a part of. We will be forever grateful for the endless hours they invested in Michael.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association are greatly appreciated.

We will also be accepting donations to Pewaukee Youth Wrestling in honor of Coach Brown to keep his legacy going. We are hoping to raise money for new wrestling mats for the youth program. (Please check the following website:   https://gofund.me/6746c3f8

Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Krause Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 21600 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin at 11:00 AM. Memorial Visitation to be held prior, from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the funeral home. We will have a luncheon after the service at Silver Spring Country Club, N56 W21318 Silver Spring Drive, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.