Elmer Brauer, 89, of Bridgeport, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, November 25th, 2024 in his home. 

Elmer was born on September 3, 1935 in Sidney, Nebraska to John and Esther Brauer, where he was the 5th of 6 children. He attended Sidney high school and enlisted in the army after graduation, being honorably discharged after 2 years.  When he returned from serving our country, he reconnected with Avis Mick, who would soon become the absolute love of his life.  While they were dating, Elmer attended and graduated from college in Laramie, Wyoming with a degree in accounting.  Avis and Elmer were married on August 7, 1957, and to this union were born three children:  Tammera, Annette and Jason. 

During their 61 years of marriage, Elmer and Avis lived in Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and Nebraska.  They lived in Milnor, North Dakota for 18 years, where Elmer was the manager for the local electric company.  After his retirement, they moved to Bridgeport, Nebraska where he has lived the last 27 years of his life. 

Elmer was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing and collecting all things related to these hobbies.  He was a Master Angler many times over and was known for his skills at catching just about anything.  Whether it was ice fishing, fly fishing, or fishing off the banks of the many lakes, rivers and creeks he visited over his life time, he always enjoyed the thrill of the catch.  Elmer was interviewed for an article in Game and Fish Magazine about bass fishing and also filmed a tv segment at the sandpits in Bridgeport, where he managed to catch an impressive fish on camera.   Hunting was also a passion of his, as he spent many seasons elk hunting in the mountains of Wyoming with his brother Wilmer, along with their horses and mules.  He also enjoyed hunting deer, pheasants, and helping the local farmers with their prairie dog population. 

With Elmer’s passing so close to Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many wonderful family holidays hosted by him and Avis, as well as the delicious turkeys that he would make for all of us.  As he grew older, he started saying that this was the last year he’d make the turkey and that someone else needed to start taking over, but then the very next year he’d buy his turkey and be up early making it for us because he truly enjoyed it.  Those treasured holiday memories with them will be missed greatly. 

Elmer is survived by his daughter Annette (Gary) Heyerdahl of Cooperstown, ND, son Jason Brauer of Washington, IN; three grandchildren Dezirae Wilkins (Joshua Carrizales) of Bayard, NE, Danielle (Alex) Kanack of Bridgeport, NE and Garrett Heyerdahl of Hannaford, ND; nine great grandchildren: Caleb, Carson, Colby, Livia, Nora, June, Henry, Trenton and Jacob and son-in-law Kevin (Susan) Myers.

Elmer was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter, Tammera Myers (Brauer), and wife, Avis Brauer.  

A private family internment and celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Any memorials may be sent directly to the Aging Office of Western Nebraska Meal Program/Meals on Wheels located at Prairie Winds Community Center:  424 N. Main, Bridgeport, NE 69336 (308-262-2868). 

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com for the Brauer family.  Bridgeport Memorial Chapel are assisting the family.