Lester Brauer

Lester George Brauer, age 94 of Gallatin, TN passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  Mr. Brauer was born on October 7, 1929 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  Preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years and his parents William and Luella Brauer.  He is also preceded by siblings Warren, Danny, Jim, Larry, Eileen, Bill, and Carol.  He is survived by sister Mary Jean Brauer-Charles of Green Bay, WI, children: Debra Brauer Miller (Keith) of Flat Rock, NC, Timothy Brauer (Donna) of Hendersonville, TN, Jeffrey Brauer (Charlotte) of Hendersonville, TN, Steven Brauer (Maria “Ging”) of Gallatin, TN, and grandchildren Tara Riggins (Charlie) of Gallatin, TN, and Thomas “TJ” Brauer of Goodlettsville, TN.

Lester and Dora were married December 29, 1951 in Institute, WI and lived in Sturgeon Bay, WI, Tucson, AZ, Milwaukee, WI, Muskego, Wi, Hendersonville, TN, and Gallatin, TN.   Lester loved his family and the many friends they made throughout the years and different locations.  He enjoyed many activities including snowmobiling, flying, shooting sports, boating, cruises, traveling, Titans and Packer football, and Brewers baseball, but most of all, time with family and friends.   Those lucky enough to have enjoyed his lemon chicken on the grill will remember his joy cooking it for everyone at outdoor gatherings.

Lester, trained as an electrical engineer, spent 8 years in the US Army and Army Reserves operating a radar station to protect the Panama Canal during the Korean Conflict.  Over the years he worked for Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding, Stoffel Equipment, The Raymond Corporation, and Hughes Aircraft.   Notably, while working for AC/Delco he was part of the team of engineers designing the Apollo guidance system that would take our astronauts to the moon.  He spent the major part of his life opening and building his business, Brauer Material Handling Systems Inc., located in Hendersonville, TN and still operated by his family members today.  It’s success is a testament to his belief in always treating employees like family, customers like friends, and vendors like teammates.

Lester loved our country, veterans, and all those who serve today.  He was honored to be the Grand Marshall for the Hendersonville Veterans Day Parade in 2023.  As such he requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to VFW Post 9851, 73 New Shackle Island Rd, Hendersonville, TN  37075.  

Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 PM, March 4^th at Hendersonville Memory Gardens located at 353 East Main St, Hendersonville, TN 37075.  There will be a second visitation at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church starting at noon immediately preceding the Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM Tuesday March 5^th also at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church located at 1729 Stop Thirty Rd, Hendersonville, TN, 37075.  Interment will follow in Hendersonville Memorial Gardens.  Immediately following the services from 2:00 – 6:00 PM there will be a Celebration of Life Reception at Humbol Event Center located at 300 Indian Lake Blvd., Suite C200, Hendersonville, TN  37075.