Joel Ellis Brown, 71, of Elkader, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, WI, due to complications of emergency surgery. He was born November 16, 1952, in Guttenberg to John and Ella (Noble) Brown.
Joel was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona.
He graduated from MFL with the Class of 1971.
He was married to Peggy Wagner of Monona at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona. Two sons, Bill and Josh, both of Boscobel, WI, were born to this union. The couple later divorced.
Joel married Jeanne Fuelling on October 12, 2002, adding two stepsons and five grandchildren to his family.
He was a member of First Congregational Church in Elkader, IA.
During his lifetime, he worked at Swiss Valley, built houses in Monona, Fettkether Concrete & Construction, Pattison Grain and Sand and lastly CGB (Consolidated Grain and Barge) at Clayton. He retired January 10, 2024.
Joel liked fishing, but mostly enjoyed watching westerns and game shows, and being with family. He played on various pool leagues in the area. Everyone loved Joel’s dry sense of humor.
Joel is survived by his wife and partner of 28 years; sons, Bill (Heidi) and daughter Avery, Josh (Amanda) and Katie, Elias, Lucy, Maggie, Samuel and Barbara; two step-sons, Ed (Sara) Hertrampf and Claire, Mark, and Jake, Matthew (Jennifer) Hertrampf and Lucas and Anna; brother, Jerry (Celia); sisters Judy Benzing and Jan Snitker; sister-in-law, Carolyn Brown; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, Jack, brothers-in-law Ronnie Benzing and Rick Snitker.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. John Gooding Cemetery or MFL Class of 71 Scholarship Fund
Visitation: 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader and one hour before service Time at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service: 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at First Congregational Church in Elkader. Pastor Linda Hauschild will officiate.
Interment: 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at St. John – Gooding Cemetery, rural Farmersburg
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.