Obituary for Matthew David Brown, age 41

Matthew David Brown, age 41, of Frazee, Minnesota, passed away following a catastrophic medical event on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Matthew was born on July 23, 1984, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of David and Libby (McKenzie) Brown. When he was young, the family moved to Baudette, Minnesota, where Matt attended school and discovered a lifelong passion for hockey—a love that would shape both his career and his relationships.

After college, Matt became a teacher, a role he embraced with his whole heart. He had an incredible gift for connecting with students and never stopped advocating for them, believing deeply in their potential—even when they struggled to see it themselves. Combining his love of education and hockey, Matt proudly served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Lakes High School hockey team, mentoring young athletes both on and off the ice.

Summers found “Breezy” on the golf course, where he made sure the youth of Frazee learned the game through his golf coaching. Each year, he celebrated his birthday with the legendary “Breezy Open,” an annual golf tournament full of laughs, competition, and friendship. His sisters were famously banned from the event so they couldn’t “mom” him—a rule Matt enforced with a grin.

Matt was known for his big heart, for wearing that heart on his sleeve, and for a booming belly laugh that could instantly light up a room. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and showed up for people in ways that mattered. His students were always a priority, and he never gave up on helping them become their best selves.

Home was never complete for Matt without a golden retriever at his side. He adored his dogs, who were truly his family, and they rarely left his side.

Matt is survived by his parents, Libby and David Brown; siblings, Kari (Tim) Sarych, Emily (Kevin) Berkman, and Andy Brown; nieces, Ally and Kendall; grandmother, Charlotte Brown; aunts, Carol (Phil) Perry and Diane Detering; and his two beloved golden retrievers, Cooper and Huk. He is also lovingly remembered by many friends, colleagues, and countless students whose lives he impacted in lasting ways.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Brown, and Margaret and Jim McKenzie; aunts, Jean (Phil) Stephenson, and Janie (Dick) Henchey; uncle, Jim McKenzie; and by his cherished golden retrievers, Jake and Tucker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Garrison Animal Hospital would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Matt’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Malmo. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and to stay for a reception following the service.

Matt’s legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the students he believed in, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.