Obituary for Richard "Dick" Norman Brown

Richard Norman Brown, of Portland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 18, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 9, 1943, the son of Norman and Mary (Torok) Brown. Weighing just 2 pounds, 11 ounces at birth, Dick was a fighter from the very beginning, going on to live a full, faithful, and wonderful life.

Dick retired from General Motors after 37 years of loyal service. A devout Catholic, he was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. He prayed countless rosaries and made over 30,000 rosaries to give away to others to use. Dick had a deep love for St. Patrick Church and St. Patrick School. A lifelong lover of baseball, Dick began coaching little league even before his own sons were born. His passion for the game continued for many years, including coaching alongside Al Schrauben beginning in 1996 at St. Patrick High School. Dick also had a love for travel and was fortunate enough to see many beautiful places around the world, including Alaska and Hawaii. However, his most cherished journey was to the Holy Land. Above all, Dick was known for his friendly and outgoing nature. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did, never meeting a stranger. He had a special love for people—especially children—and brought kindness and joy wherever he went.

On July 13, 1968, Dick married the love of his life, Mary Lue (Schneider) Brown and she survives him. Also surviving are his sons, Scott (Sharon) Brown, Eric (Carol) Brown, Randy (Niki) Brown, Jason (Sara) Brown; grandchildren, Alana, Sydney, Peyton, Ally (Will), Jared, Julia, Sam, Logan, Connor, Aubrey, Rachel, and Jocelyn; siblings, Patricia Baldwin, Ronald (partner, Karen) Brown, Dennis (Suzi) Brown, and Karen Brown; in-laws, Betty Brown, Judy (Clare) Koenigsknecht, Dennis (Ann) Schneider, Ken (Karen) Schneider, Ed (Janice) Schneider, Jay (Kathy) Schneider, Frank (Rose) Schneider, Patrick (Ann Marie) Schneider, Kevin (Teresa) Schneider; along with many special friends, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Dick in death are his parents; brother, Gary Brown; father and mother-in-law, Richard and Marian Schneider, and brother-in-law, Armon Platte.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 2-8 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Alber at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fr. Flohe Foundation or the Al and Karla Schrauben Fund in honor of Dick. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.