Kathryn “Kathy” Brown

Kathryn “Kathy” Brown, age 73, of Olivia passed peacefully at her home, her former dairy barn, on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  Private family services will be held.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the family for organizations close to Kathy’s heart.

Kathryn Mary Brown was born June 27, 1947 in Willmar, MN, to Eugene and Beverly (Wiersma) Dillon. Kathy grew up in Olivia and graduated from Olivia High School. On November 19, 1966 Kathy was united in marriage to Michael Brown at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia. They were blessed with three daughters and made their home on a farm south of Olivia. Kathy had various jobs with local seed companies throughout the years until she decided to operate a dairy farm. She also worked for Valadco, managing the Boar Stud for many years. Kathy owned the ceramic shop with Janet Haney where they loved to paint ceramics, worked for ACTS as a bus driver, and was a volunteer for Mrs. Peris’ first grade class, and whenever asked to volunteer she could not say no. She was a member of the DHIA, Troy Township Board, and a 4-H leader. Kathy’s memory will live on through her love of fair time and showing of her dairy cows. She was also active in her Relay for Life and Walk in the Park teams. Kathy enjoyed spending time with her husband Mike, going for rides, and leaf peeping in the fall was their favorite thing to do. The time she spent with her family, especially her grandkids, was priceless to her. Kathy loved the holiday traditions of cooking, decorating, and gift giving. In the fall, she had her annual popcorn ball and caramel apple making with the grandkids; oh yes, and her failed attempts at gingerbread houses. Kathy did daycare for her grandchildren and it was the highlight of their summer. She had an immeasurable love of flower gardening, all things agriculture, looking at old family pictures, and watching Dr. Pol.

Kathy is survived by her husband Mike of Olivia; her three children: Emy (Rich) Elbert of Olivia, Jamie (Dalen) Stryker of Renville, and Katy Holland (Josh Honzay) of Olivia; grandchildren: Josie Lilja, Delaney Holland, Mckenna Lilja, Andrew Holland, Daylea Stryker, Kole Holland, and Autum Stryker; 11 siblings: Pat (Larry) Johnson of Richville, Tom (Barb) Dillon of Gunnison, CO, Deb Mahoney of Olivia, Jim (Joy) Dillon of Deer Creek, Kevin Dillon of Olivia, Randy (Kathy) Dillon of New London, Kelly (Beaver Hatch) Fischer of Olivia, Shannon (Kevin) Rothmeier of Olivia, Todd (Mary) Dillon of Olivia, and Jon (Darla) Dillon of Olivia; sisters-in-law, Pat Dillon and Jean (Lowell) Herdina; brothers-in-law, Dave Bruns and John (Michelle) Brown; and more nieces & nephews, great-nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews than we can list. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Gene & Bev Dillon; brother Mike Dillon; sister Jane Bruns; infant brother Matthew; nephew, Jay Mahoney; brothers-in-law, Bob Mahoney, Jim Brown, Bobbie Brown; and mother and father-in-law, Bob and Marie Brown.

Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN

(320) 523-1102    www.dirksblem.com