Marlene "Mert" Theresa (Platt) Brown

In Loving memory of

Marlene “Mert” Theresa Brown

Mert Brown was born on March 26, 1946, in Wilmont, Minnesota to Paul and Mary Ann “Babe” Schettler Platt.  She grew up in Wilmont until 1955 when the family moved to Iona, MN.  Mert graduated from St. Columba High School in 1964.  On March 15, 1975, she and John Brown were married in Las Vegas, NV.  Following their marriage, they made their home in Denver, CO, Malmo, MN, Las Vegas, NV, Iona, MN, Mesa, AZ and eventually ending up in Slayton, MN.    Mert worked as a bookkeeper and insurance agent for many years in Aitkin, MN.  In 2022 Mert moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook, MN.  Due to failing health she moved to Our House Hospice Home in Slayton on January 3, 2025.  She passed away there on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the age of 78.  She was an active member of St. Columba Church in Iona having served on the Church Council as well as many duties behind the scenes. Mert served as Mayor of Iona for 1 term.  Mert enjoyed spending time with family, reading, embroidering, needle work, quilting, shopping, and her roses.

Survivors include her husband, John Brown of Slayton, MN, seven siblings, Vicky Plaisance and Rex Streff of Hadley, MN, Karla and Ed Mahon of Slayton, MN, Augusta Meyer-Brandt and Brian Peterson of Isle, MN, Bruce and Penny Platt, Bryon and Dixe Platt, Bernie and Kay Platt all of Iona, MN, and Barry and Jan Platt of Cleveland, MN, one sister-in-law, Terry Rupp of Iona, MN, and many nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her father, Paul Platt, mother, Babe and Pat “Mick” McCormick, one sister, Brenda Platt, and four brothers-in-law, Kalvin Meyer, Jerry Brandt, Ronnie Conway, and Jim Plaisance. 

Memorial Services

St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster.  The organist is Sharon Lais.  The song leader is Sheila Crowley.  Interment will be private.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements.  To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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