Joseph Gurn Brown

Gurn Brown
Richfield, Utah

 Joseph Gurnsey “Gurn” Brown, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20,2025, in Highland, Utah after losing his long battle with cancer. He was born on December 23, 1936, in Lovell, Wyoming to Alma Taylor Brown and Edith Stella Winn. Gurn grew up learning the value of hard work on the family farm and how to treat people with respect. He graduated from Lovell High School in 1955. He served faithfully in the Central States Mission, coming home two weeks early in time to say goodbye to his mother who died soon after. 

 Gurn went to the University of Wyoming, and then to Brigham Young University, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science, graduating in 1963. He met and fell in love with his beautiful wife, Paula Gockeritz, while at BYU. They were married on June 8, 1963, in the Los Angeles Temple. After a few years of working, Gurn returned to school for his master’s degree in animal reproductive physiology and animal nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno. They moved several times during these early years and continued to move, although not as often, ending up living in 6 states and 30 different houses or apartments. He worked at feedlots and sold products to farmers and ranchers. He then went on to teaching. He taught at Northwest Community College in Powell, and then Casper Community College in Casper, Wyoming. He enjoyed serving for many years in the Young Farmers organization which also provided many opportunities for him and Paula to travel. After retiring from Casper College, he served as the Lincoln County Agent in Star Valley, Wyoming. 

 Gurn never met a stranger, he enjoyed interacting with people and easily made friends wherever he went. He loved teaching and continued to substitute teach during retirement in Afton. He also served on two RCD’s (Resource Conservation and Development Councils) in Afton and in Richfield. 

 In 2008, they moved to Richfield, Utah and he was able to serve for 10 years in the Manti Temple. He loved his time serving in the temple and learned to love people at a deeper level. He was a friend to all wherever he happened to be. 

 Gurn was a faithful example to his family of scripture reading, home teaching, and serving in his various callings. Some of his callings included serving in Sunday School and for years as a Seventy. 

 He will be remembered for his love of ice cream. He had a malt machine and we all loved his shakes, which he enjoyed making for friends and family. His grandchildren and grand-nieces and nephews and even a few great grandchildren will remember riding with him on his 4 wheeler. 

 In Richfield, Paula and Gurn served and loved and they were much loved. They moved to Highland, Utah, in June to be closer to family. While at Highland Glen, Gurn brought joy and smiles to people there, especially with his greetings and jokes as he entered the dining room. He will be missed. His love and dedication to family was unwavering as was his devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He endured to the end. 

 Gurn is survived by his wife, Paula; children: Tamara “Tami” (Lynn) LeBaron, Todd Taylor (Susanne) Brown, Christine (Kam) Denkers and Traci Maria Farris. Gurn and Paula have 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (and many “adopted” ones over the years); siblings: Val (Sonia) Brown, Persis Skinner, Alma “Buster” (Kris) Brown, Emma (Curt) Christoffersen. 

 Gurn was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers: Lionel “Bud” and William Winn Brown. 

 The family expresses our love and appreciation to members of the Richfield 11th Ward, the Wild Rose Branch, residents and staff of Highland Glen Assisted Living, and to Suncrest Hospice. We appreciate you all for your loving care and kindness. 

 Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield 11th Ward Chapel. Viewing at church from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com