Michael Neil Brown, 57, of Naytahwaush Mn, died on January 18, 2017, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Mike was born to Francis and Bernadette (Sweeney) Brown Sr. on October 8, 1959, in Minneapolis, Mn. He lived in Cass Lake, Mn and Hoffman, Mn until making his life time home in Naytahwaush. Mike was blessed with a very large family. He married Ann Wadena on May 29, 1982, in Naytahwaush and this is where they raised their family. Mike and Ann not only raised their own children but also were foster parents to many that they loved.

Mike worked at various farms and factories and also at Gordon's Construction as well as during beet harvest. In 2004, he became owner and operator of the family business, Brown's Bait. Mike loved spending time with his family and friends. He often visited friends or family that were ill or in the hospital to pray or share the gospel and was always helping the ones in need. He loved to be outside whether it hunting, fishing, trapping leeches and minnows, plowing, driving his tractor or just tinkering around in the yard. Mike enjoyed singing, putting puzzles together, playing board games and card games. He had a passion for collecting brass and loved going to auctions. He was always joking and making people laugh. Mike was a very faithful man in his walk with Christ and was always a man of patience and kindness. He was a great husband, dad and grandfather.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ann;mother, Bernadette Brown; sons, Rob Brown and Michael Brown; daughters: Tessie (Elias) Thompson, Tesshelle (Lucas) Brown, Michala(Khoreii)Brown, Mykee Brown, Bonita Brown and Persephone Brown; grandchildren he raised: Naysia, Elias and Elijah Thompson and Troy Brown; 11 grandchildren; brothers: Marshall Brown, Kevin (Carol) Brown, Francis Brown Jr., Quincy Brown, Joel Brown and Laurie(Jennifer) Brown; sister, Voncille Brown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle "Shep" Brown, father, Francis Brown Sr., sister, Carmen Burnette, brothers-in-law, Anthony Wadena Sr. and Jim Burnette Sr., father-in-law, Darrel "Chip" Wadena and mother-in-law, Bonnie Wadena.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another and that your joy may be full"

Visitation for Mike Brown will be held at the Church of Naytahwaush starting at 5 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and continue until the time of the funeral on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 1 p.m.

Burial will be in the Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery in Naytahwaush, MN.