Barton Kaye Brown

Barton Kaye Brown, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026.

Barton was born on July 17, 1932, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Charles and Muriel (Marcotte) Brown. He spent his childhood growing up in both Michigan and Illinois and graduated from Libertyville High School in Libertyville, Illinois.

Following high school, Barton proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. Throughout his working years, he was known for his strong work ethic and versatility, building careers as a machinist, carpenter, real estate agent, and a locomotive engineer at Knott's Berry Farm.

On April 30, 1983, Barton married the love of his life, Judith Ann Heldebrandt, in Illinois. Together they shared many happy years and built a life centered on family, hard work, and the outdoors.

In 1998, Barton and Judith moved to Skanee, Michigan, where Barton fulfilled a lifelong dream by designing and building his own home overlooking beautiful Huron Bay. There he enjoyed retirement and took great pride in caring for his property and spending time outdoors.

Barton found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, working in his yard, riding four-wheelers, and enjoying the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He was especially proud of the home he built with his own hands and the life he created there.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Ann Brown; his children, Jamie Kaye (Ken) Davis of Burlington, Wisconsin, Godfrey Geissberger (Cheryl Villarreal) of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, Lisa Welch of McHenry, Illinois, Jeffrey (Cynthia) Geissberger of Lake Villa, Illinois, and James (Rosa) Geissberger of Zion, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Muriel Brown.

A celebration of Barton's life will be held at a later date.

Barton will be remembered for his independence, craftsmanship, love of the outdoors, and devotion to his family. His memory will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.