DELAVAN – Thomas C. Brauer, age 84, of Delavan passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Golden Years in Walworth. He was born on June 15, 1940, to Gustav and Margit (Peterson) Brauer in Evergreen Park,IL. Thomas attended Luther South High School where he played football. Thomas was united in marriage to Diane DeLap on December 14, 1963, in Chicago. Diane passed away on February 7, 2019. Thomas proudly served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1963-1965, spending one year overseas in Korea. Upon his return and Honorable discharge, he began a career with General Motors in their Janesville assembly plant. Tom spent over 3 decades at GM attaining General Supervisor in the parts department. Tom retired from GM in 1999 after a distinguished career. After his retirement, Tom and Diane set out to explore one of his passions: Civil War battlefields. They traveled far and wide visiting many, if not all, the historic sites. Tom was an avid reader, and his bookshelves were filled with Civil War history. When he was not reading on Saturdays, he could be found rooting for the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame; A love and passion that was passed onto his son Ken. On Sundays it was about the Chicago Bears and auto racing. His love for auto racing spanned both NASCAR and Indy car. Tom, Diane, and Ken traveled to many races over the years. Tom had a desire to help others which led him to a long career as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Delavan Fire Department. It was here that he spent decades serving the citizens of Delavan Township. In May, you could find him behind the fryer ensuring perfectly cooked sausages for the annual pancake breakfast. In August he would be found dishing out the deliciously cooked pork for their annual pig roast. When his pork slinging duties were done, he would always make his way to the dance floor where he would tear it up dancing the night away to The Shakers. Tom was a man of God and was a parishioner at Our Redeemer Lutheran church and school in Delavan. He was a humble man but felt great pride in being able to donate and support the Lutheran school. In the spare time that he had he also enjoyed woodworking. Over the years he created many beautiful pieces that were destined for his beloved grandchildren. Tom was the epitome of "giving you the shirt off his back". It did not matter what you needed or how much he knew you; he was always willing to help. Need a helping hand, Tom was there. Need a couple of dollars to get by for a few weeks, Tom was your guy. His love for the fellow man was immeasurable. As their stable of grandchildren grew, Tom and Diane devoted everything they had to chasing them around. Whether it was around the living room, elementary, middle and high school, or the athletic fields, they were there until the very end. When he could not make it in person he was there in spirit. Tom was dedicated to ensuring his grandkids had what they needed to succeed in every aspect of their lives. As the years started to chip away at Tom, and a mix of good and bad days crept in, he never let it get him down. Everyone who spoke with Tom knew their conversation would end with "Life is Good". Yes, it is. Thank you, Dad.
Thomas is survived by his two daughters, Michele (Michael) Strassberg, of Beach Park, IL, and Pamela Mendoza, of Fort Worth, TX; a son, Kenneth (Mary) Brauer, of Elkhorn; four grandchildren, Benjamin, Katy, Molly, and Mateo; and many nieces and nephews.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; and two sisters.
Tom's wish was to be cremated and placed alongside his beloved wife Diane in the East Delavan Cemetery. A graveside committal service will take place at a later date.
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