Retired City of Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown, 68, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center following a brief illness.

Visitation for Dan will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road. At 5:30 p.m. the Dubuque County Firefighters retired and active will come through as a body to honor Dan. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and the Dubuque Fire Department Ceremony of the Four Fives. A continued celebration of Dan’s life will follow the service at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Rd. A livestream of his funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Dan was born in Dubuque Iowa, the son of Everett and Mary (Sanger) Brown. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1974. After high school he worked for Al Beyer at Beyer Aviation until joining the Dubuque Fire Department in 1983. On June 9, 1984, he married Karen Bleile at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Dan had a long career in The Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. He rose up through the ranks to become the Chief, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 2014. He was instrumental in establishing the Fire Training Center, the county wide 911 public radio system, modernizing the fire department fleet and a major addition to fire headquarters.

Dan also loved the outdoors. He and Karen were long-term members of the Dubuque Water Ski Club and the Ski Patrol at Sundown. They also spent many hours on the Mississippi River boating and spending time at Midtown Marina where they docked their boat. They also had a great love for dogs and together enjoyed their 8 dogs over the years.

Dan was a devoted mentor and teacher throughout his life. He provided guidance to many through the fire department as well to individuals interested in skiing whether it be snow or water.

He is survived by his wife Karen, a sister Mary Lou (Donnie) Jaeger of Asbury, a brother Russ Brown of Dubuque, a sister-in-law Kim (Darren) DeMoss of Dubuque a niece Deb (Jeff) Wilson and two nephews Duane and Dale Jaeger, two nieces Tarra (Adam) Etheredge and Teresa (Ryan) Johnsen, along with Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Dan Brown memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals, especially Dr. Caceres and the staff at Medical Associates along with the doctors and nursing staff in the ICU at MercyOne Medical Center for all of their care and compassion they showed.