Mark E. Brown of Colesburg

Mark E. Brown, 66, of Colesburg, Iowa, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by all of his loved ones.

Visitation will be held 3 - 8 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa. Visitation will continue prior to funeral mass from 9 - 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Parish Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg, Iowa, with burial to follow at Brown Cemetery near Colesburg. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Mark was born October 3, 1959, in Guttenberg, the son of Russell and Jean (Geuder) Brown. He resided in Guttenberg until the age of 4, then they moved north of Colesburg. Mark graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School in 1978. He was united in marriage to Carol Scherbring on February 24, 1979, two children were born from this union Nickolous and Troy.

Mark dedicated 42 years of his professional life to Kuhlman Construction, many of those spent working side-by-side with his father. He continued his career with another six years at Bard Materials, taking immense pride in his role as a foreman and his skill in operating a loader. More than the work itself, Mark valued the high quality of his output and the lifelong friendships he cultivated along the way. He truly loved his career and felt privileged to work alongside such dedicated colleagues.

Above all, Mark and Carol cherished the life they built together, finding their greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. A lifelong outdoorsman, Mark’s love for nature began in his youth, hunting duck and deer with his father and creating cherished memories while working on the farm and playing cards with his grandparents. In later years, he found great satisfaction in the meticulous restoration of his father’s Farmall tractor, a project shared with good friends.

An active and committed member of his community, Mark served as a Webelos Scout leader, a 4-H leader, and a dedicated member of the Brown Cemetery board. He took pride in raising sheep and helping his sons show them at the local fair. He also found simple pleasure in a quiet drive through the countryside, often revisiting the quarries where he had spent his working years. His love for the outdoors extended to 25 years of camping, eventually leading to a permanent spot in Prairie du Chien, where he spent countless hours fishing and building lasting friendships.

Mark was a constant presence at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, rarely missing a football game, baseball match, wrestling meet, or school concert. He greeted every friend and neighbor with a warm smile, and his door was always open for a visit and a cold drink with those he held dear.

Mark is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol; children: Nick (Megan) Brown of Colesburg, Troy (Julie) Brown of Colesburg; grandchildren: Cooper and Reece Brown and one more on the way; grand puppies: Rigsby, Lucy and Finn; sister, Mary (Kevin) Klostermann and their son, Dustin Klostermann; aunt, Linda (Pat) Oberbroeckling and their son, Adam Oberbroeckling; in-laws Dennis (Dixie) Scherbring, Kenny Scherbring, Lori (Jan) Keck, Bill (Suzanne) Scherbring, Helen Backes, Nancy (Danny) Schroeder, and Bonnie West; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Elmer and Evelyn Scherbring; grandparents: Clarence and Matilda Geuder and Russell and Irene Brown.

The family would like to thank the staff at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Cornerstone Family Practice, Colesburg Ambulance Service and St. Croix Hospice- especially Kristen, Reece, Michelle and Jackie

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.