Rudolph (Rudy) F. Brauer of Calhan, Colo., was born in Prague, Okla., June 16, 1921, to G.P. and Anna (Wagner) Brauer. He was the second of two sons. He passed away peacefully Saturday, July 21 in Simla at the Good Samaritan Center.Rudy was raised in the Rush and Peyton areas. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and working on the family farm. Rudy graduated from Peyton High School.Rudy enlisted in the United States Army on October 13, 1942, as an anti-aircraft artillery automatic weapons crewman. He served during WWII in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland Ardennes and Central Europe. He was decorated with several service medals and honorably discharged Oct. 16, 1945, as a PFC.On Aug. 5, 1948, he married his sweetheart Elsie M. Sokol in Raton, N.M. To this union, two daughters were born. Rudy and Elsie owned and operated a family dairy, farm, and ranch. Rudy worked at Calhan Brookharts until it closed. He and Elsie retired from farming in 2000.Rudy was active in several organizations. He was a member of VFW Post 5221, Calhan Lions Club, Pine Ridge Grange, Holtwood Gun Club and St. Paul Lutheran Church.In his spare time, he enjoyed several hobbies, including collecting antique John Deere and NAPA collectables. He never missed a local farm auction. He enjoyed helping the Calhan Lions Club and the VFW with various community events.Rudy is survived by his wife Elsie, who still resides on the farm, two daughters – Carolyn (Larry) Gardner of Calhan and Barbara (Charley) Armer of Calhan – and a brother, Carl, of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by four grandchildren.He will be missed by all who knew him.Funeral Services were held July 25 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Calhan. Burial followed at the Calhan Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1450 5th St, Calhan 80808, or Simla Good Samaritan Center, PO Box 38, Simla, 80835.
