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Jon H. Brownell, 87, formerly of Hastings, passed away peacefully at his home in Starke, Florida on January 19, 2022. He was born July 3, 1934, and lived his first 20 years in a log cabin on Schultz Road in Hastings, Michigan with his folks, Robert and Irene (Dann) Brownell, and his grandfather, George Brownell. Jon was the oldest of nine children, he was soon joined by siblings Jim, Jane, Jerry, Jeff, Mary, Margaret, Tom and Ron. He attended the old, one-room Schultz Country School prior to graduating from Hastings High School in 1952. After graduation, Jon joined E.W. Bliss on June 3 in the drafting department and progressed over 30 years as product manager, sales engineer, and mechanical engineering supervisor. Concurrent to his tenure at E.W. Bliss, he joined the Critical Skills Program as part of his 7 ½-year commitment to the Army Reserves (eight years of total military service). Jon became very knowledgeable of tool & die engineering skills and was the “go-to-guy” for sales and turnkey operations in many states during his can-making career. Jon was a hard worker throughout his entire life, from early years of farming to home construction, but he also enjoyed dancing (especially polkas), deer hunting, fishing, grilling, winning chili cookoffs, playing cards, telling jokes, golfing, camping, hiking, boating, woodworking, competing with the Mid-Michigan 4-Runners off-road club, and even smoking the occasional cigar or pipe, back in the day! During his Bliss years, Jon met & married Brenda (Newton) in Oct. 1973, and they recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. After leaving Bliss, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas to join Pearl Container from 1982 to 1987, then Metal Container in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin until retirement in March of 1999. That is where a new career of ‘Life on the Road’ involved traveling for nearly 20 years by RV. Enjoying many of the National Parks around the country, time was also shared with friends along the way, as old friendships were renewed, or new ones began. The traveling continued until settling down in Starke, Florida a few years ago, for a much slower paced retirement — one that involved more golfing or just sitting on the front porch or back deck chatting with others enjoying the Florida sunshine. Above all else, Jon cherished his family life, staying in touch by phone regarding events and activities. Family reunions were the True Highlight in his Life! He always said: What A Wonderful World, and he was so pleased to have had a Wonderful Full Life! Jon was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jerry and Jeff, and will be dearly missed by his wife Brenda, children & (grandchildren) — Lynn & Lori Brownell (Tamara, Leanna, Lindsey, Rachel) of Fall City, Washington, Lisa Pierce, Orange Park, Florida (Adam of Dallas, Texas & Jack of Montgomery, Alabama), and Lori & Jaimie Sloboden (Grace & Rhys) of Cypress, Texas. He is also survived by Aunt Georgia Dann of Kalamazoo, sisters-in-law Joan of Bellevue, Kathy of Freeport, and siblings — Jim Brownell of Delton, Jane Barlow, Margaret Wellman & Mary Cotant of Hastings, Tom Brownell of Kissimmee, Florida, Ron & Muriel Brownell of Potterville, Michigan, along with many cousins, nieces & nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held this summer in Hastings, Michigan. In remembrance of Jon’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tributes

Jon Harrison Brownell

July 3, 1934 - January 19, 2022