Melvin "Gene" Browning formerly of Manchester
- 11 hours ago
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Melvin “Gene” Browning, 81, of Johnston, Iowa—formerly of Manchester, Iowa—passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Brio of Johnston in Johnston, Iowa. Gene was born March 25, 1945, in Whiteland, Indiana, the son of William and Doris (Wilkerson) Browning. He graduated from Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, with the class of 1963. After graduation, Gene attended a 2-year technical school.
Gene spent his career in management, where he found his true calling in the restaurant industry. On April 28, 1984, he was united in marriage to Toni Guetzko. After his retirement, Gene and Toni made homes in Manchester and in Florida - where Gene especially loved the ocean and the beaches. The couple returned to Iowa five years ago and made their home in Johnston.
Gene expressed his creativity through beautiful stained-glass art, a talent he took great pride in sharing with others. Above all, he loved his family and friends and cherished time spent together. Gene also had a special love for dogs, and Gabby, their 16-year-old Shih Tzu, brought him great joy and comfort. He planned his days so he would not miss a NASCAR race and cheered just as enthusiastically when Alabama or Tennessee college football games were on tv. And if there was time left, he enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino with family.
Those who knew Gene remember him as a gentle soul, grateful for the people who shared in his life. His warm sense of humor, paired with his kind and steady nature, left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Gene is survived by his wife of 42 years, Toni Browning of Johnston; his two children, Kristi (Gary) Nolker of North Vernon, Indiana, and Kyle (Angie) Browning of Bargersville, Indiana; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Scott Guetzko and Mark (Lisa) Guetzko; sister-in-law Laura (Neal) Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, and his sister.
Because of Gene’s love for dogs, his family invites you to join in honoring his memory through a memorial fund established at Retrieving Freedom (a non-profit organization that trains and places service dogs with veterans with disabilities and children with autism to enhance independence and quality of life).
Online donations can be directed to:
Physical donations can be mailed to:
Retrieving Freedom
1152 230th St.
Waverly, IA 50677
Online condolences may also be sent to:
Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, is assisting the family.
In honor of Gene’s wishes, a private family Celebration of Life will be held this summer.