TESTIMONIALS
There are many reasons to be excited about Brown Deer Cooperative. Check out the testimonials below to learn more about your neighbors and the reasons why they love living at Brown Deer Cooperative.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Ed O'Brien
A lifelong Iowan, Ed O’Brien was born and raised in Iowa City and graduated from City High. After attending a four-year trade school to become an electrician, Ed built a career and raised a family with his wife, a longtime school teacher. Together, they raised three children in the Iowa City area—a place Ed describes as “progressive and stimulating,” thanks in part to the presence of the University of Iowa.
An entrepreneur at heart, Ed went on to own several local businesses, including Cookies & More and a storage company. When it came time to simplify his lifestyle, he explored many housing options throughout the community—but found that Brown Deer Cooperative stood out.
“Brown Deer was the best deal financially,” Ed says. “It’s a good investment and a great place to live.”
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Verne Folkmann
Born and raised in Conroy, Iowa, Verne moved to Coralville in 1990, where he built a successful career in business and later spent 22 years in real estate. After years of homeownership, Verne was ready to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle—and found the perfect fit at Brown Deer Cooperative.
“The location next to the golf course and beautiful scenery were big draws,” Verne shares. “And when you compare the monthly fees here to the costs of owning a home—repairs, property taxes, upkeep—you’re likely saving money.”
Active in the community, Verne also serves on the Board, bringing his background in cooperative management to help guide Brown Deer’s future. “A cooperative is only as strong as the people managing it,” he says. “We’re fortunate to have a great group of Members.”
Verne enjoys the social activities the Cooperative offers but appreciates that everyone can be as involved as they wish. With three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren nearby, he enjoys a full and rewarding life surrounded by both family and community.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Byron & Suzanne Bork
Byron was born in Boone, Iowa, and raised in Ogden, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse with just one other student in his class. He went on to earn his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa.
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Suzanne was born in Denison, Texas, grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in French and Library Science.
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Byron and Suzanne met at a University of Iowa basketball game at the old Field House on January 19, 1963 — Iowa vs. Ohio State. Byron still remembers Suzanne leaning over to ask “Was that a foul?” He called her that May for a date, and the rest is history — they were married in 1967. After college, Byron and Suzanne began their married life in Colorado, where Byron taught at the University of Colorado and they welcomed their two children, both born in Denver.
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In 1976, they returned to Iowa City, where Byron joined the University of Iowa physical therapy faculty and served for 40 years. Suzanne devoted her time to raising their family and building a warm and welcoming home.
After building a home in 2000, the couple eventually began considering a simpler lifestyle. Byron attended a few open houses at Brown Deer Cooperative, but Suzanne wasn’t quite ready — until they toured a corner unit that was available. That visit propelled their decision.
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Today, they value the sense of community, the friendships they’ve built, and the maintenance-free living.
“We wanted the community,” they share. “We enjoy the people — and it’s wonderful not having to worry about maintenance.”