Walter Sterling Brown

Walter Sterling Brown, known to many as “Wolf,” of the Ma'iingan Clan began his spirit journey at the age of 68. He was born on April 29, 1957, in Cass Lake, Minnesota, to Raymond and Vera Brown of Bena.

Walter spent much of his childhood and early adult years in Minneapolis and Bena, later returning north in 1982 to settle in Bena with his wife, Bonita, the love of his life and mother of his children.

Walter loved the outdoors, especially hunting, and had a lifelong fascination with animals and wildlife, which led to his years practicing taxidermy. A natural teacher, he was always eager to share his knowledge with his children, grandchildren, and others. A proud Golden Gloves boxer, Walter’s very first match ended in a swift knockout victory in under a minute.

He spent most of his life as an over-the-road truck driver and spoke with fondness about his journeys, especially his trips across Canada and into Alaska. Walter also had a passion for motorcycles and riding. Above all, his greatest joy was his family—he loved being surrounded by his children and treasured every moment with his grandchildren, especially his granddaughter, Alecianna, whom he helped raise.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gerald and Ronald; and sisters Daisy, Cheryl, Laura, Bobbie Ann, and Marcelia Brown.

He is survived by his children Mariza, Marcelia, Bijah, Vincent Sr. (Brittany), and Travis; as well as Lurinda (Ted) DeFoe, Mary “Poopsie” (Lanny) York, Joseph, Martin (Sarah), and Jonathan “JJ” LeBlanc (Serena). Walter also leaves behind his brothers Ray “Chez” (Cory) and Kenneth (Debbie) Brown; sisters Darla (Dick), Roxanne “Holly” Keller, and Teri Lynn; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry his memory and legacy forward.

Walter will be remembered for his strength, his smile, his sense of humor, his movie quotes, his ability to drive or fix anything, his knowledge of wildlife and nature, his stories, and his strong yet nurturing presence. He will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for others and was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need.

Pallbearers will be his boys: Bijah, Vinny, Travis, Joe, Martin, and JJ.

Honorary/alternate pallbearers are: Tommy, Witt, Tony, Wab, Bissy, Mishikii, Byron, Daniel, Harley, Ray, Sonny, and Beeker.

A wake will be held at the Dave Morgan Community Center in Bena, MN, on Friday, September 19th, at 6:00 p.m. and traditional services to be held on Saturday, September 20th at 12:00 p.m. with Spiritual Advisor Darryl Kingbird officiating. Interment will take place on Saturday, September 20, at the Bena Lakeview Cemetery near Lake Winnibigoshish.

“Forever in the wind” – Chez Brown

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Walter Sterling Brown, please visit our Tree Store.