Fred Brown

CAMBRIDGE - Fred Wesley Brown, age 75, of Cambridge, WI, passed away on January 30, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI.  Born April 23, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of Doris Maregon Brown (Brookman) and Kenneth Eugene Brown.

The Brown family owned a photography studio in Milwaukee where Fred developed a love for photography. When Fred and his brother, William, were teenagers the Brown Family moved to a farm where his ancestors established one of the first homesteads in the Wisconsin Territory, 1842. The farm raised black angus cattle that supplied Prime Beef exclusively to Chicago Chop Houses. They were also known for extensive landscaping and nursery operations. Fred’s mother Doris loved plants. The Farm was known as “Farmer Brown.”

Fred was married to Mary Ellen Crawford on August 20, 1970, in Portsmouth, NH. They had two children together, Jacob and Matthew. As Fred was in the U.S. Navy, they were stationed in Newport News, VA and San Diego, CA. They were later divorced.

Fred began his career in the Navy where he served as a nuclear technician on nuclear submarines during the Vietnam war. He also trained other Navy nuclear submariners. He was honorably discharged after serving for six years supporting the U.S. submarine fleet.  

He worked for a time at the UW-Madison Synchrotron Radiation Center, near Stoughton and began his teaching career at the University of Wisconsin in the nuclear engineering department.

Fred later completed a union electrical apprenticeship in Madison, and became a master electrician, instructor, and electrical inspector. For many years, Fred taught electrical apprentices at the Commercial Avenue campus of Madison College, (then known as Madison Area Technical College). A 40-plus year member, and a past president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 159, Madison, Fred’s knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) was formidable.

Fred no doubt left an impression on the many inspectors with whom he crossed paths. Whether or not all agreed on the code articles of interest at the moment, they are no doubt richer for having known him.

Fred was totally devoted for many years to the setup and maintenance of Holiday Fantasy in Lights in Madison. From the beginning, at Warner Park, until it relocated to Olin Park, he would be there every single night. He took great pride in maintaining the displays and providing for the community.

After his retirement from teaching, Fred went back to school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a two-year Farm and Industry Short Course degree. He also became licensed to apply herbicides and pesticides in the State of Wisconsin. Fred then purchased his family farm in Salem, WI and worked with local farmers to grow corn and soy on 100+ acres for many years.  He was incredibly proud of the final crop of corn they grew, which came in at 240 bushels/acre.

Fred taught himself to cook gourmet level meals later in life. Those who were lucky enough to enjoy some of those meals know just how good a cook he became.

Fred also became a top-level collector of Pickard China, a passion passed on from his mother Doris, which he collected with his life partner Sue Speth. He would work with Sue to photograph pieces for the newsletters and posters that she produced. He also used his photography skills to photograph numerous weddings and events throughout his life.

He was devoted to his life partner Susan K. Speth who passed away just one month prior to Fred. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Dorris and Kenneth Brown; brother, William Ira Brown; and son, Matthew Brown. He is survived by his son, Jacob and wife, Trish Brown, and their children, Eleanor and Sylvie; and his grandchildren from his son, Matthew, Nicholas, Samantha and Molly. He is also survived by his step son, Robert (Kristen) Speth and their children, Jaqueline and Russell.

Visitation and service will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Burial will take place at Liberty Corners Cemetery, Town of Salem, WI, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420