In 1932, Delores (Oschman) Brown (later known as Dee Dee) was born in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Her 11-year-old sister Lucille was delighted to finally have a sister. The family moved to Platteville, where Dee Dee enjoyed the many activities in schools and the city. She especially liked writing columns and editorials for the local newspaper. Dee Dee joined Rainbow for Girls, becoming Worthy Advisor and then Grand Worthy Associate Advisor in Wisconsin. Later, she was awarded the Grand Cross of Color from the supreme assembly in Oklahoma for distinguished and outstanding service during her leadership in the Platteville assembly. After graduating with honors from Platteville State College, she began her teaching career in West Allis. Teaching was her way to help others. Dee Dee believed every child was important and should be challenged with curriculum meeting each student’s capabilities. She taught for 35 years at Madison elementary schools: Crestwood, Midvale, and Lincoln. During her teaching career, she became a member of Alpha Delta Kappa honorary teaching sorority.

Dee Dee’s greatest joy was marrying G. Franklin Brown, the love of her life, in 1968. They celebrated 45 years of happiness. They both enjoyed traveling extensively, especially their trip to Amsterdam with an afternoon in the Anne Frank annex, and a stay in a castle overlooking Lucerne, Switzerland. Frank and Dee Dee both shared the same Christian values which was their greatest bond.

Dee Dee was predeceased by her husband Frank; her parents, Reuben and Dot (Hartline) Oschman; her sister Lucille and brother-in-law Ed Kucera; and niece Karen McCarthy. She is survived by cousin Stan (Jean) Hartline, relatives, and friends.

A special thanks to the doctors (Dattalo and Kinsey), nurses, and staff at UW Home Base for their 4 years of medical care to Dee Dee at the nursing home.

At Dee Dee’s request, there will be no funeral, and she asks that you do an act of kindness or help someone throughout the year.

Please share your memories of Delores by posting in her guestbook. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434