Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Michael David Brownell passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was born in Seattle, Washington in 1936 to Lawrence Arthur Brownell and Agnes Cosette Mercer.  He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Janell Blue; his daughters and sons-in law, Sandi and Rob Fritz, Mindy and Jay Baylor, his granddaughters, Rachel, Emma and Hamna, his nephews Brian and Brent and his wife Jennifer Fenske, his niece Julie and her husband Brian Overhauser, his first wife Ruth Harris, and sister-in-law Nancy Cole.

Mike graduated from Bremerton High School, received an AA from Olympic College and a BA and MPA from the University of Washington.  He served for forty years in the United States Army, beginning at age 17 as a Private and retiring as a Colonel.  The highlight of his military career was serving as a General Officer Management Officer.  His last assignment was as Staff Director, Reserve Forces Policy Board in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.  He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. Mike enjoyed his service in the Army so much that he recruited his first wife, Ruth, and their daughters Sandi and Mindy to also join the Army.

Mike lived a long happy life and most of all loved his family. He was an eternal optimist and despite health obstacles, he took every opportunity to spend time doing the things he loved. He looked forward to his plans for the next day.  His contagious smile and playful sense of humor will provide many fond memories for all who knew him.  He will be dearly missed.

After retirement, Mike shared his passion for genealogy with his wife Janell.  Together they discovered his grandmother’s Finnish roots and traveled to Finland to meet what became a much-loved extended family.  His role in connecting our respective families created a lasting legacy.

Mike valued and maintained enduring friendships.  He stayed in contact with childhood buddies, college classmates, Sigma Chi brothers, military colleagues and neighbors.

Mike enjoyed volunteering in the community including serving on the Metro advisory committee, greeting and serving military service members at the USO, and participating in the Montebello Neighborhood Improvement committee. He had a love for Model A Fords, Streetcars, VW campers, Women’s basketball, Nationals Baseball and all things about the University of Washington.

Mike was a life-long traveler and loved discovering new places throughout the world.   He also enjoyed hosting visitors and playing tour guide to his favorite Washington DC attractions.

We want to recognize the contributions made by the wonderful caregivers at home, Fresenius Kidney Care in Alexandria and the Fairfax County EMT’s.  They provided much support for the family.  We are also thankful for the DC Metro system who provided accessibility and facilitated Mike’s independence using his scooter for many years.  We are deeply grateful to all of them.

A Celebration of Life event has been scheduled for November 4^th from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the American Legion ballroom located at 400 Cameron St. in Alexandria, VA 22313.  He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, Fairfax County Park Foundation to support Huntley Meadows Park or the charity of your choice in his honor. Online condolences may be left for the family at Storke Funeral Home. Please confirm your attendance for the Celebration of Life at this email address [email protected].