Colleen Rose Brown

As the season’s first snow fell softly outside, Colleen Rose Brown passed peacefully on November 8. 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Surrounded by love and prayer, her farewell was quiet and tender - perfectly fitting for her humble, gentle spirit.

Born on September 21, 1952, in Sisseton, South Dakota, Colleen was the eldest daughter of Arnold and Helen Rieckman, who preceded her in death, along with her oldest brother, James. She graduated from Custer High School in 1970 and joined the United States Army in 1974, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, Roger Brown. They met while stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia, in the Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health Unit. They fell in love over shared laughter, long talks, and the irony of connecting through two things Colleen could never stand: mosquitoes and cockroaches. On October 19, 1977, after a year-long courtship, they married at the East Point, Georgia courthouse, both in uniform and on their lunch breaks. Later, they celebrated with a church wedding in Lake Andes, South Dakota, surrounded by family and friends.

After marrying Roger, Colleen concluded her own military career in 1978 but remained a devoted Army wife throughout his 27 years of service. Following his retirement in 1998, the couple made their home in Aurora, South Dakota. In 1981, she embraced her greatest calling: motherhood. She devoted her life to raising her two children, Jennifer and Christopher, and later poured that same boundless love into helping raise her grandchildren—Solomon, Sarah, and Serenity Hagan. Her home was always a welcoming place of warmth, prayer, and laughter, where everyone felt loved and safe.

Colleen’s faith was steadfast and unshakeable. She was a dedicated member of the Aurora Methodist Church, where she found purpose and fellowship in the women’s and quilting groups. Her hands stitched quilts with the same care and devotion that she poured into every relationship in her life. She will always be remembered for her thoughtfulness - for the handwritten cards and notes that seemed to arrive just when you needed them most, each carrying her signature grace and love.

Colleen faced her brief but courageous battle with cancer with the same quiet strength and faith that defined her life. Though her time after diagnosis was short, she filled every moment with peace, gratitude, and love for her family and the Lord.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Roger Brown, who remained faithfully by her side during her final weeks; her children, Jennifer Brown and Christopher Brown; and her cherished grandchildren, Solomon, Sarah, and Serenity Hagan. She is also survived by her siblings: Terry (Patsy) Rieckman, Dennis (Kathy) Rieckman, Tom (Sue) Rieckman, Jean (Joel) Haar, John (Marita) Rieckman, Jeff Rieckman (late wife Lori), and Kathleen (Dave) Dargatz: and by her sister-in-law, Julie Rieckman-Caron (wife of her late brother James), all of whom gathered at her side in her final days. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Colleen is united with her Heavenly Father, and that her love continues to surround those she left behind, as gentle and constant as the snow that fell during her passing. A favorite scripture that sustained Colleen in difficult times was Psalm 46:10: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ It brought her peace, reminding her that God’s presence is everlasting, even in life’s most challenging moments.

In keeping with Colleen’s humble spirit, she requested that no funeral, memorial service, or wake be held. Those who wish to honor her memory may do so in quiet reflection or through a simple act of kindness, as she so often did.

Cards and memorials may be sent to the family at 70 Nancy Avenue, Cadiz, KY, 42211. In lieu of monetary gifts, the family kindly asks that you instead share your prayers, memories, or words of comfort.