Ralph Ervin Brown, 85, of Owatonna, died Friday, January 11, 2019 at Birchwood Cottages. He was born November 21, 1933 in Austin the son of Justin and Grace (Dawley) Brown. Ralph attended country school District 85. He entered into the U.S. Army in October of 1954 and was honorably discharged in October of 1956. On October 6, 1957 Ralph married Betty Christiansen at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple lived in Owatonna until Betty preceded him in death in 2008. Ralph worked for the Owatonna Canning Company and Culligan prior to his 30 year career with the City of Owatonna. He also served on the Owatonna Fire Department for 29 years. He took great pride in his carpentry, plumbing and handyman skills which he used to help others during his working years and even more so in retirement. In retirement, Ralph enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and attending grandchildren's sporting events. Ralph married Margaret Houghtelin April 5, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Ralph was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a life member of the VFW. Ralph was very energetic, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed gardening and treasured time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Houghtelin) Brown of Owatonna; daughter, Diane (and Delles) Solie of Owatonna; sons, David (and Julie) Brown of Owatonna, Darin (and Machelle Jorgenson) Brown of Owatonna; grandchildren, Jarrett (and Nicole) Galvin, Jordan Galvin, Brett Solie, Justin (and Tess Heyer) Brown, Danika Brown, Kenna Brown, Ali Brown; sister, Verna Busho of Owatonna; brother, Gary (and Alice) Morgan of Clearwater; sister-in-law, Lorraine Brown of Blooming Prairie and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, an infant daughter and two brothers. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 9am to 10am. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend Amanda Weinkauf officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna with military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit.