Michael James Brown, 48, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, June 2, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, after a lengthy illness.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at South Mineral Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.  All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Michael James Brown was born on September 21, 1975, to James and Judy (Eye) Brown in Maquoketa, IA. Mike attended Maquoketa Community School, where he wrestled and graduated in 1995.

After graduation Mike attended Job Corps in Utah where he was trained in welding.  Upon his return to Maquoketa, he worked at various manufacturing plants.  When Mike’s physical disabilities progressed, he was employed by Imagine the Possibilities.

Mike never lost his childlike fun and love for life. He was easy to laugh and hard to anger. He was affectionally known as “Downtown Mike Brown” by his friends and classmates. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, swimming, playing X-Box, drums and the guitar. Mike never lost his appreciation for hard rock music or his love of the Bible and chocolate milk.

His greatest blessing in life were his family and friends.  Mike had special relationships with his mom, sister Pam, and aunt Peggy Miller who all loved Mike unconditionally.

Those left to honor his memory include his brother Dwayne (and girlfriend Tanya Ruff) Brown of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law Brian Keeney of Maquoketa, IA; aunts, Peggy Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Clark of Dubuque, IA, and JoAnn (Bill) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; uncle, Fred (Tomi) Nielson of Clinton, IA; nieces, Meagan (Chance) Garza, Amanda (Andy) Stefanik and Savannah Bradt; nephews, David Malone and Tylor Brown; and many great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pamela Lynn Keeney, niece Alexandra Michelle Brown, and many uncles and an aunt.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to Jackson County Humane Society or to Hospice of Jackson County.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.