Richard L. Brown

Richard L. Brown, Sr. 82 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City with Father Jeremy Wind as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, where Richard will be laid to rest beside his wife Patricia who preceded him in death in 2022.  A luncheon will be offered following the burial in the church basement.  Visitation will be on Thursday, January 23rd at the Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a Vigil Service will begin Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Floral offerings may be delivered to Meyer Brothers Funeral Home on Stone Park Blvd.

Dick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas but he spent most of his childhood in Sioux City, Iowa where he attended Heelan high school, and met is high school sweetheart Patti. He also excelled in basketball as an All-Star point guard at Heelan, class of ‘61. 

He dedicated his life to his family, his businesses and his passions. His intelligence, generosity, quick-minded wit, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a sensitive man that shared tears of joy much more than those of sadness. Throughout his life, Dick enjoyed sharing his professional successes with all. He loved traveling with his wife, Patti, listening to his favorite operas, especially La Boheme and Turandot. He loved enjoying surrealist art and a good steak with a better glass of wine. Most of all he just loved being with family and friends. 

He started his professional life as a retail manager at Fantles, then built A1 Distributors into a multi-million $ company. He was best known for revitalizing and saving the Historic Okoboji Central Emporium which he bought in 1996 and renovated from shambles and sold in 2006. He played a major role in saving Arnolds Park for his grandchildren and many generations to come. Whether he was opening a new restaurant or talking with you in his TV room with his robe and coffee, he brought joy and love to those around him. His Okoboji legacy will live on forever. 

Dick’s greatest pride was his family. His love of both the Brown and Rose families was unequaled by any other. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia Rose, his parents James and Lois Brown and siblings Jim, Tucker, Connie, and twin brother Bob Brown.

He is survived by his daughter Kelly (Bobby) Steiner, his sons, Richard “Dickie” Brown, Bart Brown and Billy Brown. Grandchildren Emily (Ryan) Johnson, Kaity Brown, Keegan Brown, Janelle (Ben) Schneiders, and Henry Steiner, and 8 great grandchildren, with another coming in February that he was anxiously waiting for to carry on his legacy. Also, his brother Bill (Jewel) Brown, sister Kaye Young. As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews. 

He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his wonderful conversations, big hugs and unwavering dedication to his family, and leaving a legacy of love and resilience. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.