Polly Eugenia Browne

Polly Eugenia Browne, 58, of North Mankato, died with certainty in her eternal life on Monday, December 28, 2020 after a five-year battle with cancer during the end of her earthly life.

She was born March 26, 1962 in Madison, WI to Marshall F. Browne, Jr., and Caryl (Klug) Browne, who preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Madison LaFollette High School, Bethany Lutheran College (AA), Mankato State University (BS), Pacific Lutheran University (MA) and Capella University (Ph.D.).

Polly was a lifelong Christian educator, having taught for almost 35 years at various levels. She pointed children to the love of Jesus in Lutheran congregations in Port Orchard, WA, and Golden Valley, MN, and served also for over 16 years at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, where she taught future educators to notice, wonder, seek, discover, marvel, and appreciate. She also worked many odd jobs over the years, finding joy, for example, in groundskeeping, bartending, being a grill cook, and working in various roles at golf courses in WI, WA, and MN.

Polly enjoyed playing golf, softball, and pickleball; tending the flowers at North Links Golf Course; woodworking, hiking; learning; having adventures; traveling; and especially visiting the National Parks.

She is survived by her brothers, Mark of Cheyenne, WY, and Brad (Cindy) of Allen, TX; sister, Sally (Steve) Hodge of DeForest, WI; and an aunt, Dorothy Haines of Monona, WI. Polly is also survived by six nieces, Stephanie (Jason) Schultz, Kathryn (Matthew) Gefaller, Kelly Browne, Anna (Kyle) Logsdon, Rebecca (Christopher) Fucilla, and Kara (Jordan) Knabach; one nephew, Aaron Browne; eleven grand-nieces and grand-nephews; many beloved cousins and treasured friends; and hundreds of dear former students, all of whom made her life rich and blessed.

Polly was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato where memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 2, 2021 with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Timothy Hartwig will be officiating. Private interment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona, WI, at a future date.

The memorial service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.peacemankato.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church (2090 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003), Bethany Lutheran College (www.blc.edu/donate), or the Andreas Cancer Center (Mayo Clinic Health System, ATTN: Andreas Cancer Center, 1025 Marsh Street, Mankato MN 56001).

Please share a memory of Polly with her family at www.mankatomortuary.com.