God’s God given talents have now come full circle – from birth to glory for Hiram (Hido) W. Brown. Hido is now using those talents to play and sing around the throne of Christ. We know that because in those awesome hours between here and the heavenlies, where the veil is thin, Hido was very specific in saying that he had to hurry because he had to practice with his band – he couldn’t let his band down. During those precious hours that Hido was able to spend with his family --- conversing with them in the here and now and simultaneously answering to the call of eternal life, Hido was able to share many things of which he was experiencing. It was truly a meeting of two worlds – and family was privileged to witness exactly how thin the veil between here and there really is. Luke 20:38 says it clearly when Jesus is speaking to His disciples and He tells them that “God is not the god of the dead, but of the living, for to Him, All are alive.”

Hiram Wesley Brown was born on June 29, 1924 to Albert and Margaret Brown, the oldest of five children.

Hiram was known as “Hido” for most of his life. He was always interested in music and was self taught to play the piano, harmonica, guitar, drums, and trumpet. As a youngster, he was called upon to entertain the Parents/Teachers Association as a “one man band.” He was scarcely ten years old when a picture showed him sitting in front of a drum, with a harmonica attached, and holding a guitar. He played and sang for them and was paid at that young age. He then continued his musical abilities by entertaining at school dances and being in the school play. He won many local talent contests and He traveled with the Harry Brown Show one summer while in high school. He did everything from help to pound in the pegs of the big tent to being in the “show,” either playing or singing. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, Hido did as many young men did—He simply joined up to fight for his country. He was a senior in high school at the time. He obtained his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in St. Louis. From there he was sent to Brookings, South Dakota for training for clerking. After that training, he was sent to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas -- where there was a USO. It was there that he met his future wife, Gretta (Flossie) Mayfield. They were married on March 25, 1944 and shortly after that Hido was shipped overseas. He travelled by ship to London, England and from there was sent to Paris, France. Hido spent his military career in the US Air Corp where he was chief clerk in his unit. His daughter, Margaret Ann, was born while he was overseas and he did not see her until she was a year old. He sent her a dress made from a parachute.While overseas he took advantage of the time and took many pictures of various sights. One of the memories that he treasured and spoke of often was that his unit was told of a very top secret development – it was radar! His unit was one that was instrumental in helping place radar on top of the Eiffel Tower. Upon returning to the states Hido moved his family to his hometown of Rice Lake, Wisconsin . He first began his working career as a salesperson for Abrahamson’s clothing store in Rice Lake but soon was hired by McGough Bakeries which later came to be known as Betsy Ross. Hido was a bread salesman for them for many years before being promoted to supervisor. He served in that role for many years until the McGoughs sold out their bakeries to Heilman’s Brewery in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Hido was then transferred there in 1970 and was placed in charge of their Crouton Division. He was honored and proud to have been placed in their “Hall of Fame for his salesman accomplishments for the company. not once, but twice.. He continued managing their crouton department in sales from his home for a few years upon his retirement. During his years of bread salesman supervisor in Rice Lake, he was quick to form a band. His first band was called Hido Brown and the Brownies. After a while, he changed the name to Joe Banana and the Bunch and they were well known in the area – playing at various places. During his years of work he served on the Aqua Fest Committee and various other community organizations. Hiram was a lifelong member of the Elks Club in Rice Lake. He cherished his membership and spent many hours there for a short time after work shaking dice with the guys. Golfing became a later in life passion and he always looked so forward to springtime and the promise of golfing a couple times a week with his golf buddies. He once got a Hole In One and the mere thought of that memory would bring a big smile to his face. Hi was also a member of the Presbyterian Church in Rice Lake where he served as a former elder. He loved his church and church family. His Presbyterian church family has been very supportive of him and Gretta throughout the years. After being homebound, someone from the church was always coming with a friendly knock on the door to visit. Neighbors have always been supportive of him and Gretta as well – neighbors were always bringing in “goodies” of some kind or offering to help with something. He was blessed to live in an exceptionally friendly and helpful neighborhood Hido was an adored and doting grandfather – always eager to help whenever possible. The grandkids played “Igor” with him – he would pretend to be “igor” and chased them all over the house. He was always interested in all of their lives and never ceased saying how proud he was of all of them. Each has some very special memories of their grandpa. Hiram and Gretta achieved a great honor this past March when they were acknowledged by the Wisconsin Family Council on Marriage – for having been married the longest – 78 years. It was an honor that Hiram greatly treasured and was so very pleased of it making front page news in the Rice Lake Chronotype. The most devastating loss of their lives was suffered by Hido and Gretta in 1980 when their son, Steven, was killed in a head on car accident two days before Christmas.

Hiram is preceded in death by his son, Steven; his parents, Albert and Margaret Brown. Brothers, Duane, Donnie, Raymand and sister, Della. And sister in laws and brother in laws and nieces and nephews. And three great grandchildren (triplets) Ellie, Jack, and Bailey, who lived but a few hours.

He is survived by his wife, Gretta. His daughter Margaret (Terry) O’Brien. His daughter in law, Kay (Don) Case. Grandchildren, Erin (Shawn) Houser, Tricia (Eric) Pederson, Matt Brown, Amber Ascheman, and Lindsey (Jim) Felgate. Great grandchildren, Hannah Amundson, Kylee (Matt) Anderson, Carter (Cassandra) Pederson, Aziza Houser, Kiefer Ascheman, Lidia Felgate, Christian Houser and twins Sophie and Molly Felgate He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; special caregivers, Jen Aubry and Gage Cuper.

A celebration of life service is being planned for later this summer.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is serving the family with arrangements.

Last Update: Apr 13, 2022 6:08 pm CDT