Calvin E. Brown

Calvin E. Brown, age 83, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his home. Calvin is the brother-in-law of Tim and Tana Mundwiler.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Red Oak. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak.

Calvin Eugene Brown was born on October 7, 1940, in Red Oak, IA. He was the son of Kenneth and Blanche (Long) Brown. Calvin grew up on the family “home place” farm, four miles west of Red Oak. Calvin attended school in Red Oak and graduated with the Class of 1960 from Red Oak Community High School. He continued his education at Omaha Business College. He proudly served in the Iowa National Guard.

Calvin returned to Red Oak and began his career. He started working at Fox & Findley Chevrolet. He owned and operated All Makes Tires and Johnny’s Steak House. Calvin established Growth Unlimited in 1974, selling and servicing amusement games.

Calvin met a beautiful, young nurse who was new to Red Oak, and he won her heart. He was united in marriage with Peggy Jo Mundwiler on March 27, 1971, in Milbank, SD. They were blessed with two sons: Michael and Scott.

Over the years, Growth Unlimited expanded into a trucking business, leasing company, cattle business, and housing rentals. Calvin’s work ethic was unstoppable. If he could figure out a way to make money, he did it! As a young boy, he sold candy at school, and he created “Cal’s Teen Dances” to make a few extra bucks. He rarely sat idle, even while on vacation; he was always looking for new business opportunities. Calvin's interest in the success of others was genuine, as he eagerly engaged in conversations about his friends' and family's businesses, always offering support and encouragement. 

Filled with a passion for history and museums, Calvin particularly enjoyed visits to several Presidential Museums alongside Peggy. He had a deep-rooted concern for political and current affairs, demonstrating a strong commitment to the well-being of our nation. His dedication to understanding the state of the country was unwavering, reflecting his profound care for the world around him. 

Calvin loved his family and friends. He was proud of the family he created and cherished the time spent together. He adored his nieces and nephews. He would proudly tell others how smart and talented each one was and loved watching each of them flourish. He enjoyed the wonderful friendships with dear friends, some going back to his childhood. He liked to share an evening with friends, delicious food, and lots of laughter. Calvin always encouraged Peggy to invite friends into their home.

Calvin liked nice, new vehicles. He always drove a nice truck or car, with all the new gadgets available. Calvin had the first “car phone” in Red Oak – back in the day! He loved to tell the story of how he’d ask girls if they wanted to make a call from his car! Calvin's fondness for his vehicles extended beyond personal satisfaction, as he took great pride in presenting his two sons with brand new trucks, ensuring they experienced the same thrill he found in driving a shiny, pristine automobile. His wife, Peggy, was never left wanting when it came to transportation, always graced with “good wheels” that she loved to drive.

Calvin enjoyed aviation and airplanes. He was fortunate to have owned several planes. He loved the historic wooden boats on Lake Okoboji and even owned one for many years.

Calvin’s love for warm apple and blueberry pie, always accompanied by a generous scoop of ice cream, showcased his sweet tooth and appreciation for life's indulgences. Arnold’s Park held a special place in his heart, where he would delight in savoring a "Nutty Bar" with friends and family. Calvin's affinity for beef, particularly prime rib, was well-known, and he would never pass up the chance to enjoy a comforting meal of meatloaf any time it was on the menu!

Calvin’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Brown of Red Oak, IA; his son, Scott Brown of Red Oak, IA; cousin, Anamary (Brown) Gustin of Red Oak, IA; sister-in-law, Susan (Dr. Fred) Schofield of Glendale, AZ; brother-in-law, Tim (Tana) Mundwiler of Milbank, SD; two nephews; four nieces; three great-nephews; and two great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth and Blanche; his brother, Denny; and his son in 1990, Michael.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Elks Kitchen Fund, First United Methodist Church, Hawthorne United Methodist Church, or the Red Oak Heritage Foundation.