The Dean and Nancy Brown Football Legacy Scholarship Fund
Your donation to the Dean & Nancy Brown Football Legacy Scholarship supports Winona State University football student-athletes as they pursue their academic and athletic goals. Established to honor Dean Brown’s lifelong dedication to coaching, education, and the game he loved, this scholarship helps carry forward his legacy of leadership, discipline, and Warrior pride.
About Dean Brown
Dean Ray Brown, 90, a resident of Winona, passed away on December 31, 2025. Coach Brown was at home and passed away peacefully in his sleep following a holiday spent with his family.
Dean was born February 28, 1935, and raised in Wells, Minn., where his lifelong love of sports began early. A gifted and determined athlete, he excelled in multiple sports and went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, where he became a standout player in both baseball and football. He proudly served two years in the United States Army before completing his education. He was honored to serve his country.
Dean was invited to try out with the Dodgers Major League Baseball team. But it was coaching that was his calling and passion in life. After coaching football and basketball in Chatfield and Waseca, Winona was his next stop. He was the assistant football and basketball coach then was named the head football coach at Winona Senior High School. His talents in coaching and leadership were recognized in his appointment as president of Minnesota Football Coaches Association.
He then joined his close friends at Winona State University as the defensive coordinator for Division II football. Throughout his decades of coaching, he always said, “Defense wins the game.” While coaching at Winona State, he earned his master’s degree in American history.
Dean lived and breathed sports. His memory for football plays, statistics, and historic sports moments was remarkable — he could recall specific formations, scores, and pivotal plays from decades past as if they had just occurred. Sports were more than entertainment to Dean; they were discipline, preparation, teamwork, and heart.
Dean taught American history for 32 years before retiring and becoming a devoted dog “dad” to his beloved Bichon Frises. His joy was traveling yearly with Nancy to Hawaii to visit his sister and brother-in-law and soak up the tropical sun. Dean truly loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them whether it was boating on the river, cheering passionately for the Minnesota Vikings, playing a fiercely competitive round of golf, or enjoying an afternoon gin card game.
He was a dedicated member of Central Lutheran Church, Elks Club, VFW, American Legion, Athletic Club and the Retired Teachers Association of Minnesota.
Dean is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 38 years; his daughters, Kim Schoenecker (David), of Minneapolis, Kirstin Erwin (David), of Destrehan, La.; grandchildren, Morgan and Murphy Schoenecker and Mitchell, McKenzie and Mathew Erwin; sister, Sandy Johnston (Jim); and nephew, Rob (Sharon). He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Raymond Brown.
As a lifelong teacher and a survivor of melanoma, it was Dean’s wish that his body be donated to Mayo Clinic for research studies.
A celebration of life will be held in the Great River Ballroom in Kryzsko Commons at Winona State University on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4-6 p.m.
