Russell Brown ’64 P95

A tribute from Steve Duermeyer

After graduation, Russ worked as Assistant to Carleton’s Dean of Admissions for one year. He than received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1968. His first position after passing the Minnesota State Bar was in the Civil Division of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office from 1968 to 1971. He became a founding member of Stolpestad and Brown in 1971.

Thereafter, he practiced construction contract law in the Twin Cities for nearly 30 years. His firm became Stopelstad, Brown and Smith in 1973.  By 1985, Stopelstad, Brown and Smith had grown to 24 lawyers and was known as one of the more innovative and talented law firms in the Twin Cities.

In 1985, Russ became a partner in Doherty, Rumble and Butler, and in 1995 he became a partner in Head, Siefert and Vender Weide. 

Russ was the father of three adult sons, one of which graduated from Carleton in 1995.  Russ was an avid waterfowl and wild turkey hunter. He was a super fan of the Carleton Knights and the Green Bay Packers.  He was a former board member of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and a moderator and long-time member and leader of Olivet Congregational Church in St. Paul.

It didn’t matter that Russ had an active family, a demanding law practice or a persistent attraction to duck ponds and woods, Russ invariably had time to serve Carleton.  He served Carleton as Trustee of the College, but he also joined students in phon-a-thons from Great Hall and his classmates in evening calling sessions to solicit annual gifts.  He served as president of the Alumni Board, but he also initiated welcoming ice cream socials in his St. Paul home for prospective students and parents.

He even provided legal services to the estate of Dacie Moses for the transfer of her beloved house to Carleton.  Russ’s love of Carleton was worn on his sleeve.  Despite a growing cancer that slowly debilitated his skills and knowledge, Russ’s profile of dedication was extraordinary.  For so many reasons, Russ was awarded Carleton College’s Alumni Association Exceptional Service Award at Reunion 2009. 

Russ Brown passed away in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin on August 17, 2007.  He was a twenty year survivor of brain cancer.  Russ’s presence was a gift to all of us.