Dale W. Brauer, 85, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on November 15, 2023. Dale was born April 22, 1938, to Lawrence Brauer and Myrtle (Moore) Brauer in Rockford, IL. On September 7, 1955, he married the love of his life, Rebecca J Hall. Dale and Becky have five wonderful children, R’Shelle Bettger (Dan), Dale Jr, Sharill Rossol (Gary), Andrew (Christine), and Tiffany Staman (Cam), and a daughter-in-love, Julie Arne Brauer. They were blessed with eighteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Dale was a journeyman toolmaker and worked at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company for fourteen years. He owned and operated Brauer’s Grocery and Gulf Station. He then worked at W.A. Whitney as plant superintendent. What he enjoyed most was cars, and he spent years at Dale Brauer Auto Sales. He worked in the car business for fifty years and made many valued friends, especially at L & M Garage and Windsor Auto Sales.
Dale’s lifelong faith was always close to his heart. He grew up attending Rockford Gospel Tabernacle, where he and Becky were married and started raising their family. They were members of Temple Baptist Church for thirty years where their children grew up. In his later years, he attended Stateline Church in Rockford and New Walk Church where he wintered in Florida. He rarely missed a Sunday. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Harriet Rupp and Wanetta Carlson, and brother, Bradley Brauer. He leaves a legacy of love and good humor. He never met a stranger and never forgot a friend. He is loved and will be missed by so many.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 1pm until the time of the Celebration of Life at 2pm at Sunset Funeral Home (8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115). Cremation will take place and Dale will be laid to rest at Willwood Burial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Life Decisions (3107 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108). The family would like to extend a special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice Team for the Loving Care they provided for Dale.
