Cleopha J. Brown

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Cleopha J. Brown, 88, of Bessemer, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, in Wakefield.

She was born Aug. 19, 1927, in Bessemer, daughter of the late Matthew and Josephine (Dobinski) Krocker. Cleo attended Bessemer schools, graduating as salutatorian from the A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1945. On Aug. 7, 1954, she was united in marriage with Robert A. Brown at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. He preceded her in death on Sept. 4, 1983. Cleo and her husband had resided in Sussex, Wis. for many years. Following his death, she returned to Bessemer in 1985.

She is survived by two daughters, Renee (Randy) Schwartz of Bessemer and Lynn (Gary) Hakamaa of Ironwood; one son, Dan (Carol) Brown of Sussex; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Gail Brown of Bessemer and Janet (Dr. Greg) Chejfec of Glen Ellyn, Ill .; and a special cousin, Shirley Cabianca of Bessemer.

In addition to her parents and husband, Cleo was preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy; one brother, Leon "Buddy"' Krocker; and two brothers-in-law, David and William Brown.

A private family service will be held. Gary Hakamaa will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home.