Nickolas S. Brown
October 20, 2021
Nickolas Brown, age 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 20, 2021. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 31, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, from 3 to 6 p.m. with services to be held on November 1 at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Des Moines Police Recreation Building in Pleasant Hill, IA.
Nick is survived by his partner and best friend, Mary Spoerl; his daughters, Debbie Soda, Pam Brown, Pat (Bryan) Newton, Teresa Brown, Nikki (Reuben) Nollen, Jennifer (Brian) Wolfe, Heather (Russ) Slings and his son, Doug (Kim) Brown; his grandchildren, Ashley Tenborg and John David Soda, Drake (Emily) Wedel and Nick Neer, Jacob, Jeremy and Catie Baysinger, Lexi and Haris Nollen, McKane and Kaylor Wolfe, Evan and Owen Brown, and Ryn and Jason Stursma; his brother, Larry (Betsi) Brown; nephew, Larry Brown, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Emma and Tyler Tenborg, Ryder and Ava Wedel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Anna Brown; and his beloved wife, Vicky.
Nick spent his life in service to his country and community. He served 35 years in the US Army Reserve, retiring in 1996 as a Chief Warrant Officer, and 30 years in the Des Moines Police Department, retiring in 1996 as Assistance Chief of Police.
After retirement Nick served as Division Administrator of the Iowa Welfare and Fraud Investigation Division and Security Manager of Principal Financial. He also taught Criminal Justice courses as an Adjunct Instructor at DMACC for 22 years.
He was an avid fisherman who always had a “big fish” story to tell, especially about the “Big one that got away”. He loved his Cyclones and NASCAR, camping with his family and being a mentor to all. His favorite times were with his family and the pride and love he had for all of them.
Donations can be made to the Iowa Autism Society, Multiple Myeloma Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals, and Cops Against Cancer at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
The daughters of Louie & Bert Ferderber
11/01/2021
Nick, thank you for being a great friend of the Woodland Sundries (aka 2nd Precinct). You kept us safe and we enjoyed your company when you stopped by.
Dave Williamson
11/01/2021
Jennifer,
Sorry for your loss.
Steven Baysinger
10/30/2021
"Nick" was the best...thats all that needs to be said about him. I respected him and admired him for his devotion to family. My condolences to all.
Robyn Schaffer MacMillan
10/29/2021
I remember what a great friend you were to our family. You were a great officer as well. You will be missed. My husband and I extend our deepest condolences to your family.
Jim Parker
10/29/2021
I am so saddened at the passing of Nick. I had the honor of being Nick and Vickys best man at their wedding many years ago. Meeting Nick and becoming friends directed me to my 29 years in law enforcement. Without Nick that wouldnt have occurred. He was incredibly interesting, engaging, and kind. Thank you Nick for all you gave of yourself to so many. And thank you for all you did for me. You can stand down and relax. Heaven got a really good guy.
Candace Bryant
10/28/2021
Debbie,
Im sorry for your loss. Many hugs to you and your sisters.
Candace
David Darr
10/28/2021
WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON NICK WAS, THERE ARE PEOPLE WE MEET IN LIFE THAT LEAVE AN PERMANENT IMPRESSION AND NICKS WAS POSITIVE AND LOVE. MAY THE FAMILY FIND PEACE IN THE AWESOME PERSON NICK WAS..
Dave Brown
10/27/2021
Even though we were not related by blood, we shared a true compassion for the brotherhood of the greatest profession that anyone could ever devote their life to. Nick was dedicated to his career and he set a good example for those around him to follow.
Dave Brown
(retired D.M.P.D.)
Bryan Stanley
10/27/2021
Prayers to the family for your loss. Chief Brown was someone I looked up to. He was my fathers Sergeant at DMPD and I worked a 2 man with Doug years later. I will always remember stopping in at Chiefs house with Doug while working 1st Watch Patrol. It was our world's coming full circle. Our fathers badges #230 and #229 together out on the streets again. God Bless the Brown family.