William H. “Brownie” Browne

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William H. “Brownie” Browne, Jr., 95, lifetime resident of Lincoln, passed away on February 10, 2024. He was born on February 13, 1928, in Lincoln to William H. and Adelaide (Wiken) Browne.

He grew up in Lincoln attending Sheridan Elementary School, Irving Middle School, Lincoln High and attending UNL, graduating in 1950. Brownie was an Army Veteran, during the Korean Conflict. Brownie was Owner/Partner of the Earl Carter Lumber Company and worked there his entire career. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Better Business Bureau, Scottish Rite, Green Fez, and the Country Club of Lincoln.

Along with his wife Lesley, they supported UNL and especially the Football and Basketball programs. They enjoyed playing tennis, and were active in the Raquet Club in Lincoln and Woods Park. They enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting all but one continent. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Family members include daughter Susan Avery Nansel and husband Loren, sons William H Browne III, and Robert G. Browne and wife Lana, 3 grandsons Jacob (Tara) Nansel, Ramse (Kammie) Nansel and Grainger Ladd (Whitney) Browne, 1 great grandson Leo Robert Browne, 4 great granddaughters Bailey Nansel, Kinsley Nansel, Tatum and Ella Tenorio (Nansel).

Celebration of Brownie’s Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE.

Memorials may be given to the University of Nebraska Foundation. No flowers please.

Memorials

University of Nebraska Foundation

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Services

February22

Celebration of Life

2:00 pm CST

Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel

4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510

(402) 476-1225

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Share a Memory or Condolence

February 22, 2024

Bob and family: Sending my condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss. Your Dad and mine used to be part of the Super C coffee group in their earlier retirement years. I can only imagine some of the stories told at those gatherings. I also remember our Dads would meet at halftime of Husker men’s b-ball games with Bus Whitehead and others at Devaney to share their analysis of first half play. Sending prayers that you may be comforted through God’s grace and peace at this difficult time.🙏

– Wade Stange

February 22, 2024

I have lots of memories of browny at the football games throughout the last 40 years as me and my wife sat right in front of him. Charlie Wright my father in law would have many discussions at breakfast meetings I was lucky to attend. Rest in peace – prayers for the family.

– Joe Blazek

February 22, 2024

Home away from home is a phrase that has a warm friendly feel. I was lucky enough to have that experience when I jumped tentatively into UNL and the passionate Husker world. The Browne family invited me to their home for Sunday dinner the first week I got to Lincoln. Bobbie and I became great friends. Brownie and Leslie opened their home to both my sister and me. I have fond memories of my time with them. Brownie would often, with a sly smile, provide a sarcastic comment on whatever topic we young whippersnappers were discussing. I remember his sharp wit and welcoming humor. I am forever grateful for the positive impact on my college memories. Thanks Brownie for a place to call home.

– Jim Barton

February 22, 2024

When I got the call from cousin Billy that Uncle Brownie had passed away, I felt a true sense of loss. As a kid growing up, I didn’t spend a lot of time around him but when I did, he always made me feel like I was somebody. Brownie always took time to ask me what I was doing, and he really listened! He made me feel important and I loved that he was my uncle. The world lost somebody very special, for he was that rare human who was always Authentic! Thanks for being my “Uncle Brownie”!

– Tim Bundgard

February 20, 2024

Brownie was my Father-In-Law for about 42 years.. Really, he was the rock solid fatherly figure in the past 50 years since Avery and I started dating 50 years ago since March, 1973. Brownie was my friend, employer, encourager and a steady hand with wise counsel in our family. His wit, sly humor, and constant search to learn was an inspiration to our family. He is missed greatly.