Jane M. Brown

Jane “Ruby” M. Brown (nee Plonsky), 88, passed away peacefully Friday, April 24, 2026 at home with her daughter by her side. Jane was born November 12, 1937 in Fond du Lac, the daughter of the late Harold and Rhea Plonsky. On April 30, 1974 she was united in marriage to her best friend, James “J.R.” Brown. Together, over the years they had many adventures on their Harley and made many friends along the way.

She loved to crochet and leaves behind many beautiful afghans for us to enjoy. She loved her flower garden and took pride in how beautiful it was each year.

Jane had several jobs throughout her lifetime, starting with her teen years working as a bookkeeper at Harold Plonsky Excavating with her family, jewelry sales, and the cable construction industry, that many knew her as Ruby.

Those Jane leaves behind to cherish her memory include her daughter, Tammy (Nick Sr.) Crego; her son, Todd Merrill; her sister, Trudy (Marshal) Reysen; her brother, Jim (Pat) Plonsky; her grandchildren, Jennifer (fiancé, James “Spot” Last) Moore, Katlyn Merrill, and Joshua Merrill; six beautiful great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, James; brothers, Gerald (Darlene) Plonsky, Tom Plonsky, and Harry Plonsky; and niece, Trisha Plonsky.

The family extends a very special thank you to Aurora Hospice, James “Spot” Last, Kelly Harvot, Pam and Ira Smerling, Melissa Zwetow, and two lifelong friends, Nancy Rabideau and Jeff Gustman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 15, 2026 at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will follow.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com