Neil Curtis Brownlow

Neil Curtis Brownlow was born on May 1, 1933, to Madelyn and Harold Brownlow in LeRoy, MN, and lived his younger years in Spring Valley, MN. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1951 and graduated from college at the University of Minnesota in 1957, where he fulfilled his life long dream of becoming a dentist. Neil was a Captain in the United States Air Force and served in Thule, Greenland and Omaha, Nebraska. After marrying the love of his life, Shirlie, on December 28, 1958, they returned to the Midwest and settled in Albert Lea to be close to their families. Neil hung out his shingle and formed a dental partnership in 1960 with Dr. Dan Schoeneman and Dr. Gerry Rasmussen. He was well known and respected as the "Tooth Carpenter" and was always striving for perfection and seeking solutions to problems in unique ways. Neil practiced dentistry for 36 years and took great pride in meeting the challenges and needs of younger and older patients. He was married to his work, but his true love was his family. For the next 14 years, Neil devoted his time to his family, friends, golf outings, travel, fishing and hunting, and many long, lazy days reading the paper and playing with his beloved dog, Jenny. His love of fishing was exemplified by his going on four Canadian fishing trips this past summer. Whether it was cribbage, golf, or cards, Neil always had a way of coming home with more in his pocket and a smile on his face. He started each day with a hug and ended each day with "I Love You." We, today, are taking with us his love and memories. If Neil could talk today, he would say, "Put things back where they belong! Do it right the first time. Life by the inch is a cinch, but by the yard is hard. Strive for perfection. Keep your own score card." Neil was a child of God, a good son, loving husband of Shirlie for 48 years, brother to Anne Anderson and Roger Brownlow, Dad to Brian, Lisa, Steve, and Mary, father-in-law to Karen, Paul Young, Gayle, and Rick Muench, Grandpa to Taylor, Jenna, Collin, Jessica, Michael, Sean, Dane, Lauren, Jacob, and Max, loyal companion to his dog, Jenny, and true friend to many. He was a strong, kind, gentle, loving, and forgiving man. He will be greatly missed. Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church Organ Fund, Pharr Memorial Chapel/Choir Fund, or the Naeve Health Care Foundation, Albert Lea Medical Center.