January 5, 1919  -  June 3, 2017

Ilene Adelaide Brown, 98, of Spooner, WI, passed away peacefully at the Shell Lake Health Care Center on June 3, 2017, surrounded by family. She was born to Anna and Edwin Johnson on January 5, 1919.

Ilene’s life revolved around her beloved family and friends. They could always put a smile on her face. Delta, where her family had been going for over 70 years, was her special place where she could keep a watchful eye on her loons.  She was one-of-a-kind and had many interests:  playing Smear, camping, fishing, hunting, watching the Twins baseball games, planting flowers, going to garage sales, and baking special treats like pumpkin bars and apple pies to share.  She had a deep love and compassion for all animals, especially dogs.  Ilene was a spunky woman who remained independent well into her 90’s, still longing to return to her home and dog, Connie, the last four years.  And, Ilene never lost her sense of humor, despite her struggle with dementia.  She worked for many years as a receptionist at the Spooner Clinic before retiring when the clinic made the decision to join the computer age, as that was not for her!  

Ilene is survived by her sons, Harold “Nates” Marx and William (Vivian) Marx; grandchildren, Angie (Dave) Olson, David (Laina) Marx, Julie (John) Elginer, Miranda (Al) Theisen, and Hollie Marx; great- grandchildren, Shane, Dustin and Logan Olson, Jack and James Elginer, Grace Marx, Michael and Ruth Theisen, and her “adopted” granddaughter, Pattie Hecht.

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband Clarence ”Brownie” Brown, mother Anna and father Edwin, brothers Edwin “Red” Johnson and Vernon “Marcel” Johnson, and daughter-in-law Valerie and grandson Jimmy Marx.

The funeral will be held Friday, June 9, 2017, at 2:00p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spooner, with the Visitation beginning at 1:00p.m. Interment will be at the Spooner Cemetery.  Ilene will be laid to rest next to her dear brother, Red.  Ilene was a member of Trinity Lutheran for over 70 years.

A time of gathering with family and friends will be held at Tony's Riverside in Spooner following the Interment.

The family wishes to extend a very special “thank you” to the staff at Shell Lake Health Care Center for the wonderful care they provided the last four years.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:41 pm CST