Oct 25, 1942 - Dec 3, 2016

Robert Ray “Bob” Brown was born on October 25, 1942 in Omaha Nebraska, growing up in North Omaha on Laurel Avenue. He was interested in wood working and vehicles from an early age and, as a teenager, rebuilt a 1957 Chevy. Bob was a wrestler at North High and enjoyed success in his high school years and as a wrestler at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning the nicknames “Peanut” and “Little Indian.”

In his early 20s, he served honorably with the United States Army from 1964-1970. He married Rosalie Rae Hickling (Rose Brown) in 1964, with whom three children were born. Once Bob completed his Industrial Arts degree at UNO, he was hired by the Omaha Public School District and taught shop classes, metal and woodworking for six years. During this time, he went to night school and earned his Master’s Degree, and for the next 25 years maintained employment with OPS as a guidance counselor. During the summers, Bob operated “Bob’s Tree Service,” trimming trees.

Rose Brown died in 1984, and in 1985 he remarried to Virginia Louise Troia. Besides the above, Bob enjoyed vacation time in Minnesota, fishing and hunting in his younger years, and family time. He used his woodworking skills to build a pigeon pen filled with pigeons, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, and a turtle or other critters from time to time. Bob built a clubhouse for his boys, Ron and David, and a playhouse for his daughter, Laurie. He helped in constructing a third car garage, back porch, and deck to the family home. He enjoyed working on plans to build a total of three family homes.

In 1998 Bob retired from OPS and focused on a more relaxed lifestyle, spending time with his wife and family.

Bob was preceded in death by wife Rose, Brown, parents, Ray and Ruth Brown. He is survived by wife, Virginia “Ginny” Brown; sons, Ron Brown (Jeannie) and David Brown; daughter, Laurie Dondelinger (Greg Dondelinger); five grandchildren: Matt and Jessica Brown, Morgan, Jacob, and Nicole Dondelinger; brothers, Tom and Rick (Margie); sister, Sandy Watson; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, Decemeber 6th, 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel. SERVICES Wednesday, December 7th at 10am, Bel Air Chapel. Interment, Calvary Cemetery with military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503.

Memorials are suggested to Bennington Fire & Rescue or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER
BEL AIR CHAPEL
12100 West Center Road
Omaha, Nebraska 68144
(402) 391-3900