Nathaniel Brown

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished Nathaniel A. “Nate” Brown, 43, of Faribault, who passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 21st, at the Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato after a short illness.

Nate was born in Estherville, IA on July 23, 1981, to Tamra Lynne (Croner) and Michael Jerome Brown, the second of three children. He lived in many places, like Estherville; Trotwood, OH; Makaha, HI, and Louisville, KY; before moving back to Faribault, where he lived for the last few years.

Nate’s dazzling smile, quick wit, and infectious laugh that could shake the rafters, consistently illuminated the room. His generous spirit and legendary bear hugs inspired the nickname Bear. His friends also gave him the nickname Debo, for his rare imposing stature.

Nate’s athletic abilities were clearly evident in high school football. After high school, he showcased his expertise by forming softball, kickball, and ultimate Frisbee teams with friends, ensuring a delightful and humorous experience. In his leisure time, Nate also took great pleasure in fishing. He loved to go with his brother Mike and sister Nicole after his mom taught them all to fish.

Nate exhibited exceptional carpentry skills, complemented by outstanding handyman abilities. Under the guidance of his grandfather, Johnny, Nate honed these skills in the workshop, where he and his brother, Mike, devoted considerable time to refining their craft. He workmanship left a lasting impression for employers, family and friends.

Nate was known for his cooking skills and making all his customers happy working at Soft Tail Saloon and Happy Chef. His special was “Hub Cap soup”

Nate is survived by his daughter, Chloe Smits (mother Vanessa Smits, sister Mariah Lenway), and brother, Michael (Molly) Brown, Cousins Brooke (Reineke) Wells and Chuck Reineke, all of Faribault; stepmother, Cynthia Jordan Brown of Trotwood, OH; stepsiblings, Melissa (Brad) Buria and Pat (Jane) Ramey, all of Florida; aunts, Lisa (Michael) Baunach of Louisville, KY, Amy (Leialoha) Kuapahi of Oak Harbor, WA, and Carla “Tootsie” Brown of Columbus, OH; cousins, John (Julianna) Baunach of Salem, IN, Keoni Kuapahi of Chattanooga, TN, Blair Brown, and Corey (Triana) Brown, all from Columbus, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

Nate is preceded in death by his father Michael, mother Tammy, and stepfather Dan Ramey; sister, Nicole Brown, uncle Blair Brown, maternal grandparents John and Betty (Jones) Croner, and paternal grandparents Otis Glover and Julia Brown.

The family would like to thank … Susan Reiter, Jess Sathoff-Houkus Carrow, Nate and Nikki Farley, Joe Smith, Brooke and Chuck Rieneke, Allina Hospice, Boldt Funeral Home and the caregivers at Hillcrest in Mankato.

A private memorial is planned for a future date. We ask for friends of Nate to send pictures and stories of Nate to his brother Mike at mjb.michaelbrown@gmail.com

Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Faribault.