Dwight Brown

Brown, Dwight Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Minnesota, passed peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2020, at Regions Hospital. He was born on August 15, 1936, in Aledo, IL, but was raised in Galva, IL. Upon graduation from Galva High School, he enrolled in Illinois State University, where he met Helen Monroe. The couple suspended their schooling, married in 1956 and went on to have three children. Dwight briefly farmed in Livingston County, IL, but soon returned to school in Macomb, IL, studying geography at Western Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He continued his education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, completing his Master's degree and Ph.D. in geography. In 1966, Dwight accepted a faculty position at the University of Minnesota, and the family relocated, ultimately to Falcon Heights, MN, where he resided in the same house for 54 years. As a Professor of Geography, he focused on biogeography of the Midcontinent Plains and served in many roles, including advisor to numerous graduate students, Department Chair, Director of the Water Resources Research Center, and Associate Fellow of the Center for Great Plains Study at the University of Nebraska. Upon retirement, he shared much of his work on his web site. grasslandatlas.com In his spare time, Dwight was active in his church community, an avid wood worker, antique tractor aficionado, nature enthusiast, progressive Democrat, and lover of pie. Dwight is preceded in death by his wife Helen (2018) and is survived by his children Cindy Brown Polson (Mark) of Plymouth, MN; Lori Casey (Mark) of New Brighton, MN; and Kyle Brown (Betsy) of Pomona, CA; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Memorials preferred to Falcon Heights United Church of Christ (falconheightsucc.org/) or Page Education Foundation (page-ed.org/). Twin Cities Cremation 651-645-1233

Published on June 28, 2020