Deanna K. “Dee” Brown, age 59, of Concordia, KS, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, KS. She was born on January 15, 1967, in Concordia, KS to Rex E. Jr. & Charlotte (Charbonneau) Strait.
She graduated from Concordia High School in 1985, and she later earned her bachelor's degree in elementary special education from Ft. Hays State University.
She married Gerald “Jerry” Brown, Jr., in Concordia, KS, on July 31, 1998, and he preceded her on March 18, 2009.
She worked as a middle school special education teacher for Clay Center Middle School.
She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia. She spent many years supporting Con-Kids Wrestling during her sons’ youth, and remained a constant presence in cheering on her children and grandchildren in all their activities.
She is survived by her children, Kevin Brown (Holly), Wamego, KS, Jake Strait (Ryan), Manhattan, KS, Josh Brown (Katy), Concordia, KS, Jordan Brown (Kayla), Ellis, KS, and Jarin Brown, Concordia, KS; her mother, Charlotte Strait, Concordia, KS; siblings, Ann Allen (Michael), Jay Strait (Tina Haist), & Brian Strait (Amanda), all of Concordia, KS; grandchildren, Drew, Jaci & Marley Brown; Jodee Brown; Kyree, Sabin & Banon Strait and baby Brown on the way; brother-in-law, Bill Brown (Charity), Concordia, KS; sister-in-law, Shirley LeDuc (Troy), Concordia, KS; brother-in-law, Brad Snyder, Concordia, KS; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her father, Rex Strait, Jr; parents-in-law, Gerald & Luise Brown, Sr., & sister-in-law, Diana Snyder.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, KS, with Fr. Joseph Kieffer officiating. Burial followed at St. Concordia Cemetery, Concordia, KS. Visitation was from 1-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with a Rosary at 6 p.m., and the family greeted after the rosary, all at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS.
The family suggests memorials to CHS Panther Wrestling in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
