MICHAEL J. BRACHER

HOPE, Maine – Michael J. Bracher, 53, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at
Pen Bay Medical Center, Rockport Maine after a brave 10 month battle with cancer.
He was born in Libertyville, Illinois, the son of Leland J. and Mary (McMasters)
Bracher. He attended Carmel High School and the University of Illinois, graduating
with a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science. He was a member of the
university’s rugby team. For 25 years he was an independent commodities trader
for the Chicago Board of Trade.
In 1996, Mike married Kate Lauer in Chicago and settled in Lake Bluff Illinois, where
he was active in his children’s sport programs and leagues. He was a board member
of the Lake Bluff Baseball Association and a certified umpire.
The family moved to Hope, Maine in 2010. At that time, Mike joined the Allen
Agency in Camden as a Voluntary Benefits Associate. His expertise in the financial
services sector coupled with an attention to detail and friendly open manner made
Mike a capable and knowledgeable insurance representative.
Mike was a member of the Hope School Board serving as Vice Chair and a member
of the Camden Lion’s Club. He enjoyed coaching and umpiring Little League games
and supporting his children’s various activities. An avid Chicago Sports fan, he
anxiously and faithfully followed the highs and lows of his beloved Cubs, Bears and
Blackhawks.
A loving and devoted husband and father, a brilliant mind, a quick wit, an easy going
and fun loving guy, a helpful neighbor and friend, a wonderful brother, son-in-law,
brother-in-law and uncle, a great and good man is now in our hearts and souls. We
will lovingly carry him with us always.
Predeceased by his parents, Mike is survived by his wife Kate Bracher, their
children, Kaitlyn, Bill, Maddie and Evie; his brothers Jeff and Kirk Bracher, a niece,
Katrina Bracher; mother-in-law Mary Waltz and husband Graham; his father-in-law
David Lauer and wife Marilyn, sister-in-law Sue Denton and husband Norman and
their children, Parker, Sam, Luke and Jack.
On Tuesday, March 18, a celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Cellardoor Winery,
367 Youngtown Road, Lincolnville from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be
made to: Hope Elementary School, c/o Nancy Weed, 431 Camden Road, Suite 2,
Hope, ME 04847. Condolences, photos, memories may be shared with the Bracher
family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.
Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St.,
Camden, ME

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