Dennis Brown

Dennis Dale Brown was released into his parents' loving arms on October 8th, 2023.  "Dale" passed peacefully at home, in his sleep.  He was 81 years old.

Dennis was born to Florence Clifford Brown and Della Elizabeth Brown (Heavisides) on May 11th, 1942.  He was one of five children: Dudley, Marcella Mae, Mary Jane, Dennis Dale, and Joseph Allen. Clifford and Della raised their family on a farm in KanKakee, Illinois. Farm life was hard work, but Dennis would often tell stories about growing up with mischief and fun.  One such story was when he contracted rabies from his favorite pony, Daisy.  Dennis was 15 years old and was paralyzed from the waist down due to the treatment. After returning home he learned to walk again with the help of his big brother.  Dudley offered fun incentives like letting Dennis drive his car.

Dennis married Beverly Lou Allison, at the age of 22 (later divorced). Together, they had three daughters: Pamela, Cynthia, and Dale Ann.  To provide for his family, Dennis worked at the Brown's Sinclair in Rochester, Illinois.  He started as a gas station attendant and later became a mechanic.  He continued in that profession for many years and he loved the work.  

In 1971 Dennis moved his family to Westminster, California to be closer to his parents and two sisters.  There, he landed a great job with the Garden Grove Police Department as a mechanic.  He developed many ways for the police cars to run more efficiently and faster.  He invented many gadgets and even created holders for the motorcycle cops' radar guns.

Dennis moved his family to Utah in 1978 and started his own automotive repair and body & paint shop.  He really excelled at custom work.  He built stock cars for racing, modified cars and trucks with different engines for more power, and built and modified many motorcycles.  He was the proud owner of two stock cars and spent many weekends at Bonneville Raceway.  He also bought several properties and was both the landlord and maintenance man.  Dennis could fix anything.  He had a great talent for maintaining a good work-life balance and would drop anything to help his family.

Dennis met the love of his life, Connie Riegger and they married on November 20, 1987.  With Connie he gained a daughter and son, Sheila and Chris. He started his own handyman business with Connie, and they worked on many large projects together.  They were a great team! One of their main clients was Murray City whom they performed landscaping work for, mowing large fields.  Dennis, ever the tinkerer, extensively modified and overpowered a riding lawn mower to make things easier.  He enjoyed the freedom this work gave him, mowing until 2021.

Dennis loved singing, building and racing cars and motorcycles, fishing, watching western movies, building model cars, snowmobiling, riding at the dunes, and woodworking.  He also had a deep love for the United States of America. However, most of all, he loved his family.

Dennis is survived by his wife Connie, daughters Pam Naylor (Garth), Cindy Walker (Mel), Dale Ann Brown (Mitch), Sheila Riegger (Scott) and son Chris Riegger. Brother Dudley (Marilyn), brother-in-law Aaron Cummings, sisters-in-law Kim Holmes and Judy Buckner.  Grandchildren Kevin, Jenifer (Kirk), Nichole (Brian), Chelsey, Kassie, Colton, Christian, Brianna, Barrett, and Holly. Great-grandchildren Kaylissa, Zariah, McKenzie, McKenna, Madyson, Izaic, Braylin, and Naomi.  As well as nieces, nephews, and many friends.  He loved being a Grandpa and was there for every birthday party, sporting event or activity.  Dale built and created furniture, toys, puzzles, and other treasures for his family.  He was a good man.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 15th, 2023, with family and close friends. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations to the American Heart Association.