John Leo Brose Jr., retired owner of Brose Liquor Store in Marion, passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at Salem Home in Hillsboro, at the age of 82.
Born in Marion on Aug. 27, 1927, he was the son of John Leo Brose and Ruth (O’Brien) Brose.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Ella Marie (Reinke) Brose; and a sister, Patricia Dean.
He is survived by daughters Laura and husband Roger Williams of Florence and Lisa and husband Bart Brittian of Wichita; three grandchildren Stacia Williams of Chicago, Ill., Sarah Williams of The Woodlands, Texas, and Brooke Brittian of Wichita; sisters Jeaneen Brose and Michelle Brose of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and brother Jerry Brose of Herington.
John attended schools in Marion, and upon graduation in May 1945, he served in the United States Navy, later attending Kansas State University. He joined his father in the family produce business and Budweiser distributorship for central Kansas.
In 1949, John opened Brose Retail Liquor Store, which he enjoyed operating for the next 50 years. He often said, “If you like people, you will like this job.” He was affectionately called “Doctor John” by his many friends and customers.
On Feb. 20, 1950, he married his loving wife and life-long companion, Ella Marie Reinke, in Peabody. Making their home in Marion, they enjoyed working on their home, and the yard was a source of pride for John. John’s hobbies included gourmet cooking, hunting and fishing, woodworking, golf, photography, working with his hunting dog, and reading. He taught himself to play the bagpipes, which led to an extensive music collection.
John was a member of the James W. Miesse American Legion Post 22, Ecker-Fulkerson-Slifer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6958, the KSU Alumni Association, and was a past board member of Marion City Library. He was involved with Marion Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, and was a great fan of KSU sports.
Graveside services were Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at Marion Cemetery.
Memorials have been established with Marion City Library, 101 Library St, Marion KS, 66861, and St. Luke Hospital Foundation, 535 S Freeborn St, Marion KS, 66861.
Services were entrusted to Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St, Marion, KS, 66861.