Bert Donald Brouwer

Bert Brouwer was born on April 24, 1931 to Arie and Gertie (Brands) Brouwer on a farm southeast of Inwood, Iowa. The family then moved to a farm four miles south of Chandler, Minnesota in 1936. Bert began country school and the family then moved to a farm three miles north of Edgerton, Minnesota. Bert completed the 8th grade and then began helping on the family farm. On February 1, 1954 he was united in marriage to Bernice (DeVries) Brouwer at her parents’ home in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple began farming a rented farm five miles north of Edgerton. After living there for five years, the couple purchased a farm seven miles north of Edgerton. After retiring from farming in 1986, Bert and Bernice moved into Edgerton. Bert continued to work at a supermarket in Luverne, Minnesota until 1990. He enjoyed retired life with Bernice, traveling and spending time with their family. On August 14, 2014 Bert moved to the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton. He continued to live there until his passing on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the age of 88 years, seven months, and 18 days.

    Bert was a member of the Edgerton Reformed Church, serving several terms as deacon and elder, also as the treasurer for the mission fund. He was a self-taught musician, learning to play the piano by listening and practicing. He shared his talents with others, playing for the Men’s Brotherhood from 1949 until its dissolution in 1998, played for the men’s quartet at church, and the Lenton breakfasts at church. Bert and Bernice enjoyed playing cards with their friends. Above all else, Bert loved spending time with and caring for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  At Edgebrook, visiting family and friends could find him working at the puzzle table.  Bert passed away peacefully surrounded by family.  

    He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 65 years, Bernice of Edgerton; his children, Vickie (Virg) Kroontje of Port Orchard, WA, Linda (Dennis) Olsen of Sioux Falls, SD, Todd (Lisa) Brouwer of Duvall, WA, Denise (Dale) Wolthuizen of Edgerton, MN; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jasper Brouwer of DeMotte, ID; and many other loving friends and family members. Bert was preceded in death by his son, Randy Brouwer; two great-grandchildren; his brothers, Gerrit, Louis, Edward, Arie, and Merle; his sister, Jeanette Dethmars; and his parents, Arie and Gertie.

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