Audrey Jean Brauer

Audrey Jean Brauer (nee Wollitz) departed this life to be with Jesus on Wednesday morning, September 22, 2021. She died peacefully at home. Audrey was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Ida (nee Schwark) and Lynn Wollitz on November 28, 1938. She was baptized into Jesus in her parents’ home on December 18, 1938, and she confessed her faith in Jesus at her confirmation at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on April 6, 1952. She married William Brauer III at Faith Lutheran Church on July 29, 1961. After marriage she and Bill lived briefly in Columbus, Georgia. They returned to Fond du Lac and eventually built a home in the Oakfield area. She became a dear mother to seven children and a dear grandmother to 29 grandchildren. In her youth Audrey learned to play the accordion, clarinet, and piano. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to become a biology teacher. Audrey was an avid learner with interests in nature, science, literature, music, sports, politics, and especially the Bible. She loved her home in the middle of the woods. She devoted her time as a homemaker to her children and their education and attended her children’s many sporting events through the years. As her children grew, Audrey worked as a substitute teacher in the Oakfield Public Schools. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and preparing big family meals for the holidays. She was a skilled knitter and made many fine memorable articles for her grandchildren. Audrey is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill; her children, Patti Jo (Bruce) Rhode, William IV (Dawn), Brett (Lisa), Bryan (Brenda), Pam (Mike) Vitale, Bart (Erica), and Paula (Jeff) Cole; her sisters, Marilyn Fenske and Linda Bergeron; and her grandchildren, Jacob, Caitlyn, William V, Emma, Kiley, Maddy, Johanna, Nathaniel, Savannah, Joshua, Caleb, Micah, Luke, Max, Sam, Hans, Elena, Elsa, Eva, Hoby, Henrik, Edelweiss, Ryan, Benji, Ethan, Abby, Evan, Emily, and Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Joy; and two grandchildren, Hezekiah and Hosea. Audrey’s reminder to those she loved was “Always remember Jesus.” She lived in Jesus, died in Jesus, and will rise again in Jesus.

Audrey Jean Brauer

November 28, 1938 - September 22, 2021