Lawrence "Larry" Brown

Lawrence “Larry” Brown was born on May 6, 1960, and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2026.

At the age of 10, Larry’s family moved from North Minneapolis to Plymouth, Minnesota. He graduated from Armstrong High School in 1978 before attending North Hennepin Community College and later North Dakota State University, where he studied engineering. Hearing stories about his antics with friends during high school and Jr. college, it’s a miracle he survived to graduate!

To help pay for his education, Larry worked countless hours in restaurants and food service. He earned his civil engineering degree from North Dakota State University in 1985. He stayed in college just long enough to meet the love of his life, Denise (“De”) Brown.

Larry and De were married on August 29, 1987, in Tintah, Minnesota. Together they built a loving home and raised two sons, Joshua and Christopher. Lar was the rock of his family, and their sorrow is a testimony to the value and impact of his life.

Larry held several engineering positions but spent the bulk of his career as Director of Public Works for the City of Shorewood, Minnesota. He retired in December 2022 after a career marked by dedication, integrity, and service.

Larry loved traveling to Colorado, with Rocky Mountain National Park holding a special place in his heart. The beauty of the mountains brought him peace and joy, and those trips became treasured family memories.

Lar was well known for his kindness, quick smile and going the extra mile to help someone out (any time of the day or night). Lar was generous, steadfast, always ready to help or share his wealth of knowledge and resources. He was the “go to” guy for information, if he didn't have it in his brain…he always had his iPad!

Larry also loved to cook, and he excelled at it. Anyone fortunate enough to share a meal in his home knows he never served “just a meal”—he created a feast. No one ever left his table hungry. One of his signature meals was grilled sirloin steak from the Osseo Meat Market, marinated in his own homemade recipe. He loved to share this meal with friends and family.

Above all, Larry faithfully followed Jesus. He deeply loved and treasured his wife, was immensely proud of his sons and daughters-in-law, and cherished and enjoyed his grandchildren. His greatest legacy is the love, faith, generosity, and quiet strength he leaves with those who knew him.

Larry is lovingly survived by his wife of 38 years, Denise (“De”); his sons, Joshua (Nicole) and Christopher (Callie); grandchildren, Caiden, Adelyn, Millie, Chance, and Joy. His siblings, Pat (Rodney) Middlestedt and Ron (Lisa) Brown; his nieces and nephews, Heather (John) Kycek, Laura (Tom) Middelstedt, Brandon (Nicole) Brown, and Brady Brown; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Noah, Anya, Arlo, and Beckett.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Essoline Brown and brother Tony.

Funeral 12 noon Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Gateway Church, 13913 185 Avenue NW, Elk River, MN 55330. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church.  Interment Riverside Cemetery, Nashua, MN. Memorials to Children's Shelter of Cebu.