Vera Colleen Brauer

Vera Colleen Brauer, 82 of Gurley, passed away at her home Thursday morning, May 21, 2015.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in the Salem Lutheran Church in Gurley with Pastor Ted Bourret officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Memorial contributions may be made in Colleen's name to the Lutheran Hour. You may view Colleen's book of memories, share photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Cremation has been held. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Tuesday to sign Colleen's register book and leave condolences for the family.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Colleen's care and service arrangements.

Vera Colleen Brauer, the daughter of Elma Bice and Leo Rood Sr. was born on April 22, 1933 at Lexington. The family lived in the Sutherland and Lexington areas. Her parents divorced when she was eight. Colleen grew up on a farm owned by her step-father Tom Hubbell and her mother outside of Sunol. She attended Sunol High School. On February 4, 1951, Colleen was united in marriage to David Brauer. Three children were born to this union. The family later moved to Longmont. In 1961 they returned to live in Western Nebraska settling in Gurley where they began the Brauer Meat Packing Company. Colleen later worked in other businesses including the Gurley Café, the Gurley Elevator, Vo-Tech College and Walmart.

Colleen's volunteer work over the years included Sunday School Teacher and Supt., VBS Teacher and Supt., youth choir director, Diabetes Foundation Fundraiser, Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser as well as an annual participant in the Cancer Walk. Colleen was first diagnosed with Leukemia in 2002.

Survivors include her children: Calvin Brauer and wife Deborah of Sidney, Ray Brauer and wife Linda of Gurley and Debra Jones and husband Daniel of Emmett, ID; (1) brother: Vernon Rood and wife Lillian of Sidney; (8) grandchildren and (10) great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and (2) brothers: Leo Rood of College Place, Wash. and Clarence (Bus) Rood of Scottsbluff.