Christine L. Brown, 63

Published 10:21 am Thursday, May 8, 2014

Christine L. Brown, 63, of Austin, Minn., died at her home May 7, 2014.

Brown

Christine, or “Kryss” as most people knew her, was born in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 13, 1951, to Hugo and Corinne Freed. She moved with her family to Laramie, Wyo., where she was raised and educated, graduating from Laramie Senior High in May of 1969. She was married to Darwin Joseph (Joe) Brown on Jan. 13, 1978. In December of 1989, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming, Casper, in Social Work. In 2002, she earned her MSW from South Dakota State University. Kryss was quite musical, and over the years enjoyed playing cello, piano, pipe organ, and singing with various church choirs and barbershop ensembles. She also enjoyed using her impressive talents as a seamstress and needle worker. She was a tireless champion of women’s safe-house shelters, and volunteered countless hours taking calls on various crisis hotlines in whatever community in which she found herself. Kryss was a person known for her solid dependability, kind generosity, and an undeterrable will. In her family of origin, she was legendary for the depth and detail of her memory, seemingly able to retrieve exact dates, names, and detailed memories whenever needed. She was a thoughtful listener, and identified deeply with the pains of others. How quick she was to laugh at life’s all too abundant supply of comic relief. She took great delight in her roles as mother and grandmother, happily knitting or crocheting blankets, booties, or buntings for who knows how many happy additions to the families of relatives and friends.

Kryss is survived by her son, Adelbert Wilbur (Wil) Brown (friend Leslie), Elgin, N.D.; her mother, Corinne (Franklin) Freed Janecke, Austin, Minn.; David Freed, Austin, Minn.; Mark Freed (Carol), Coon Rapids, Minn.; Susan Freed Heck (Matthew), Durham, N.C.; Holly Freed Sager (Rev. Mike), Austin, Minn.; and Rev. Dan Freed (Sheila), Dickinson, N.D. She is preceded in death by her father Hugo Freed.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014, with the Rev. Michael Sager officiating. The Brown family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.