Casey James Brown

With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Casey James Brown, age 41, on August 4, 2026 at his home in Sioux Falls, SD. He lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, laughter, and an adventurous spirit. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. His warm smile, kind eyes, quick wit, and genuine compassion for all living things touched the lives of countless people. He will be remembered as someone who truly made the world a brighter place.

Casey was born on April 4, 1985 to Newton and Debbie Brown in Rapid City, South Dakota. He grew up in Faith, SD where during his early years he could be found playing outside with friends, cousins, animals (even a pet racoon!), at the pool, and eventually becoming a big brother when Clay joined the family. During his school years, Casey participated in the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). His work ethic and love for technology developed at an early age as he held several jobs at local businesses around town and helped teachers and school staff with their computer needs. Casey graduated in 2003, as a member of the “12-Year Club” having gone to school in the same building from kindergarten through his senior year.

Casey began college at Dakota State University in Madison, SD in the fall of 2003. He worked for DSU while earning his degree, reflecting the continued dedication and strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. He moved to Sioux Falls in 2007 and commuted back and forth to class and work until he graduated in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology for Information Systems. In Sioux Falls, he worked at HSBC and Communication Service for the Deaf before he began his career with Citibank in the call center, then mail room, and working his way up to Senior Technical Writer, faithfully serving the company from December 6, 2010 until the time of his passing.

Outside of work, Casey embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved to travel and was always excited to experience new places, try new foods, and create memories that he treasured throughout his life. Memorable trips included England, Hawaii (twice!), Disney, meet-ups with online gaming friends, road trips, and camping with his family. His passion for gaming became much more than a hobby. Through online gaming, Casey built lasting friendships with people from around the world. His loyalty, humor, and caring personality transcended distance, and to many who knew him only through a headset and a screen, he became like family.

Family meant everything to him. He was an extraordinary uncle to his beloved nieces, Brindle and Whitley, who were the absolute joy of his life. He loved spending time with them, creating fun projects, planning adventures, and surprising them with thoughtful gifts that always reflected how much he loved them. Every holiday, birthday, and ordinary day was made more special because of Uncle Casey.

His love and generosity extended well beyond his own family. Many of his friends’ children affectionately called him "Uncle Casey," a title he cherished. He had a special gift for connecting with children, making each one feel important, included, and loved. His playful spirit and generous heart created memories that will live on for years to come.

Casey also had a love for animals (and animals loved him)! He volunteered at Second Chance Rescue and befriended a dog there that no one else could touch but him! His cat, John Locke, came into his life August 30th, 2011. There was such a love between them that if Casey went on a trip, Locke would not leave his side when he got back. Sadly, Locke passed away on August 10th.

In addition to volunteering, Casey spent his spare time trying new recipes, knitting, building computer & 3-D printing systems, and exercising his green thumb by cultivating hundreds of luscious and colorful plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. He was a life-long learner and his intelligence and curiosity showed through his ability to know a lot about a lot of things! His IT knowledge and skills will be missed by many!

He was preceded in death by his maternal great grandparents Marion and Bill Oldenberg, paternal grandparents, Vernon and Syble Brown and maternal grandfather, Jim Oldenberg.

Left to cherish Casey's memory are his loving parents, Newton and Debbie Brown; his brother, Clay Brown, and sister-in-law, Brandi Brown; his cherished nieces, Brindle and Whitley; maternal Grandma Norma Oldenberg, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, work friends, and gaming friends from across the globe - too many to name.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Casey's legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and friendship. He showed us that family extends beyond blood, that kindness creates lasting connections, and that a life does not have to be long to leave an extraordinary mark on the hearts of others. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Some of the memorial donations made in Casey's honor will go to Extra Life - Children's Miracle Network, a cause that was very special to Casey. Each year, he participated in online fundraising to support this organization, and we would like to continue honoring his passion by carrying on that tradition in his memory.

A celebration of Casey's life was held August 15th at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD.  Pastor Connie Eichinger officiated.  Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the Faith Community Center. The family invites all who knew and loved him to honor his memory by spreading kindness, spending time with the children in their lives, and carrying forward the generous, joyful spirit that Casey so naturally embodied.