Denise Kay (Winter) Brown

July 2, 1955 – December 23, 2024

Denise Brown, 69, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on December 23, 2024. Denise grew up in the small town of Colwich, Kansas, where she developed her love for the outdoors and the simple joys of life.

Denise had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life that took her far and wide. She would pack her six kids into the family Suburban for summers in the Colorado Rockies, where they spent their days hiking, exploring, and embracing the great outdoors. Her travels later in life extended beyond the U.S., taking her to places like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel, among a long list of others. She experienced the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, stood atop the Eiffel Tower, rode camels through the deserts of Dubai, and explored nearly every U.S. state (missing only Louisiana, Oregon, and North Dakota). Denise’s love for travel and exploration was only rivaled by her passion for baseball, all things vintage, and sunny days by the pool.

Denise’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Marc Brown, and together they shared 52 wonderful years, including 48 as husband and wife. Denise is survived by Marc and their six children: Alexis Brown (Mariano Alvarado) of Huntington Beach, CA; Nathan Brown (Tiffany) of Wichita, KS; Ryan Brown of Tucson, AZ; Emily Brown (Raquel Lizarraga) of Norfolk, VA; Collin Brown of Wichita, KS; and Elizabeth (Josh Friesen) of Wheaton, IL; and her seven grandchildren: Mariano, Marc Owen, Lilyanna, Ellie, Penelope, Addilynn, and Constantine. She also leaves behind her four siblings, Pam (Rex Barnes) of Colorado Springs, CO; Bart Winter (Judi) of Wichita, KS; Lisa (Gene Gutschenritter) of Wichita, KS; and Sara (Clark Osborn) of Miami, OK; along with 23 beloved nieces and nephews. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Arlene Winter of Colwich, Kansas.

Denise was known for her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic eye. She helped her husband establish Prairie Dog Comics in 1980, a beloved Wichita institution. She also owned and operated The Brown Wrapper, a custom frame shop in Wichita. Denise later joined American Airlines, where she combined her love for travel with her career, retiring in 2020. 

Faith was a cornerstone of Denise’s life. A member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish for nearly 50 years, she lived her faith through love, kindness, and devotion. Her radiant smile, infectious laughter, hugs, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends will be deeply missed.

A Rosary service will be held on Friday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m., and a Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, January 4, at 10:00 a.m., both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita. Interment will take place at Colwich Cemetery, with dinner to follow at St. Francis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ACTS at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (861 N Socora, Wichita, Ks 67212).

Denise’s genuine beauty, inside and out, touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for her unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her.

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