David Joseph Brown, 56, of Franksville, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at the home he loved so dearly on Monday, January 5th, 2026. Born on July 11, 1969, in Racine, Dave was the son of Daniel and Marjorie Brown. He graduated from J. I. Case High School, Class of ‘87, and went on to earn a degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 1991. There, he met his beautiful wife, Amy. They were married on November 13, 1993, and they built a wonderful life and raised 3 amazing children together. Dave began his career at Mrazek’s Carpet when he was in high school, and in 1995, he was hired at Carpetland USA. With his drive to succeed, strong work ethic, take-charge attitude, and keen sense of business, he went on to become an owner and then grew the business from just one store in Racine to 9 stores all over Southeastern Wisconsin. As a gift to his employees, he was excited to recently convert Carpetland into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Outside of work, he enjoyed his dogs, paddleball, golf, gambling, pull tabs, gardening, tending his bird feeder, traveling, his pontoon boat and lake house in Burlington, and giving back to his community in any way he could. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He was a master cribbage genius and could count cards like no other. He will also be remembered for his award-winning apple pies, his (endless) Carpetland commercials, and his absolutely uncanny good luck. Dave was a people person, and what he cherished above all was the time he spent making memories with his family and friends.
Though his years with us were all too short, Dave loved life and lived it to the fullest while he was here. He made his dreams come true and enjoyed every bit of the ride along the way! He filled every room, every situation, and every conversation with laughter. His sense of humor never ran dry. He was the life of the party and yet one of the most caring, giving people you could ever meet. His confidence was without limit,s but he remained completely humble despite his success in life. He was deeply devoted to his family and his friends and made sure to connect with them often, no matter how busy he was. He was someone you could always count on. His heart was two sizes too big, and he gave generously to his loved ones, to anyone in need, and to his community, quietly and never seeking recognition or thanks. He had a gift for showing up for people in ways both big and small, and for lifting you up when you were at your lowest.
Above all, Dave was a devoted husband and father. His children were his favorite people, his most important accomplishments, and his greatest joys in life. He spent the last few weeks of his life unbelievably overjoyed at the news that his first grandchild is on the way.
He is survived by Amy, his wife of 32 years, his children Madeline, Michael and Molly, his son-in-law Ryan, his mother Marjorie, his brother Jeff and sister-in-law Cherrie, niece Calista and nephew Aiden, his “ride or die” in life Jeff McKeown, his mother-in-law Pauline Simon and brother-in-law Brian Simon, his godchildren Sophia and Connor, his extended family and close friends who are too numerous to count, and his beloved pups Frankie, Billie and (his granddog) Bonnie. He was preceded in death by his dear father, Dan, and father-in-law, Earl Simon.
A visitation for Dave will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue in Racine, on Wednesday, January 14th, from 4-7 pm. On Thursday, January 15th, there will be a short visitation at Sacred Heart from 9:30-10:45 am, followed by Mass at 11 am. The burial will be private.
Donations may be made in Dave’s honor to the Racine County Humane Society, 8900 16th Street, Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177.
Dave was truly one of a kind and will be forever missed. His family and friends are profoundly grateful for the amazing life he lived and the great love and memories he left us to treasure.
Visitation
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
2201 Northwestern Avenue
Racine, WI 53404
Visitation
Thursday, January 15, 2026
9:30 AM to 10:45 AM CST
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
2201 Northwestern Avenue
Racine, WI 53404
Service
Thursday, January 15, 2026
11:00 AM CST
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
2201 Northwestern Avenue
Racine, WI 53404
Contributions
At the family’s request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Racine County Humane Society
8900 16th Street
Mt. Pleasant, WI 53177
