Milton Brawer

LIFESTORY:

It is a special man that adds so much to the lives of many. Milton Brawer dedicated his life to his family and his cause for which he will be fondly remembered. Devoted and loving, Milt was an honest man who held true to his high moral values. As a proud World War II Veteran, he served his country with a sense of purpose, just as he did with everything he set out to do. A treasure in the heart of many, he will be deeply missed.

As the summer of 1926 was drawing to a close in Passiac, New Jersey, Americans were witnessing exciting times in the country. The heyday of the Roaring Twenties, big bands were king and prohibition was law of the land. U.S. manufacturers were implementing the first eight-hour, five day work week and factory towns began flourishing. On August 31 that year Samuel, Minnie and young Jerry Brawer were celebrating exciting news of their own when they welcomed the birth of their youngest son and brother, Milton into their lives. Rich with heritage, baby Milton was born into a family of Jewish and Russian descent. His grandfather, a professional junk dealer with two horses and a pull cart, emigrated to the U.S. from Russia.

Family was important to the Brawers. Milton was raised to be proud of his heritage which was steeped in Jewish tradition. From the very beginning Milt cherished his close family ties. He held fond memories of his beloved grandmother who loved and doted on him endlessly. He often spoke of her making freshly squeezed orange juice just for him. He remembered childhood stories of his dad and eight uncles hunting and fishing; culminating in an great adventure with The Big Brown Bear.

At the impressionable age of 15 Milt lost his father in death, and World War II was declared the very next day. His Mother's second husband Phil Calmins and his new sister Muriel became important in Milt's life. His family was involved in the textile business where Milt took on his first job. Although it wasn’t his career of choice, he learned much working alongside his Uncles.. Living in the bustling city on the east coast gave Milt inspiration and a love for the finer things in life. As a young man he experienced much and enjoyed long strolls on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. He absolutely loved the seaside way of living, particularly the lobster and oysters. New York City was another one of Milt’s favorite places to be. He enjoyed taking in the plays and operas, appreciating the artistic quality offered there.

Following high school Milt went on to attend Harvard University for a semester before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. With a sense of purpose, Milt proudly served and defended his country with honor. He lived six months in Japan where he he acquired a affinity for the Japanese language and culture that remained with him throughout his life. After his discharge he continued with his undergraduate studies at Harvard. He earned his PHD in Sociology from Columbia University. Milt went on to become a professor of Sociology at Western Michigan University and served with high regard as its’ first faculty Ombudsman and was instrumental in introducing and implementing the union to the university teachers. An endearing man, Milt was an esteemed professor and greatly impacted the lives of his many students at WMU.

Highly educated, Milt was a brilliant man in many regards. He held to his high moral standards and devoted himself to his causes. He so loved his time at the university teaching sociology, doing research and building community with his colleagues. In 1977 Milt discovered a more personal side of his life while attending a Gestalt workshop in upper Michigan. Ironic that he was there delving into the complex nature of a system that stresses self awareness and personal responsibility, when Milt met a charming woman who came to hold the key to his heart. After many years, Milt and Neltje were united in marriage in October of 1985. In all, they spent 33 wonderful years together.

Family remained a high priority for Milt. He was blessed with seven children, all of whom he loved dearly. His wife and his family meant everything to Milt. His intelligent nature gave him an indelible love for reading, playing poker and computer games. As a die-hard Lions fan, he looked forward to Sunday afternoon and Monday night football with his son Phil. With traditional values of days gone by, Milt especially loved being doted on by his daughter Sarah as she made chicken and dumplings and baked cookies for him. He looked forward to his long phone conversations with his son Steve as they discussed fatherhood and family living. He loved Roberta from afar and held her in his heart. He always found love and comfort with his canine companions. His love of dogs played a profound role in his day to day living.

When Milt retired 15 years ago in 1995, he discovered a love for art. He was taking part in a class at the Burnham Brook Senior Center in Battle Creek and simply fell in love with his new found talent. He was truly inspired by his first art teacher, Molly Jo Bonner who taught at the senior center. Over the following years Milt found great joy in painting and readily shared his talent with others. For several years Milt and Neltje enjoyed a Pilates class together while at West Hills but soon slowed down when his health took a turn. Sadly, at the age of 84, Milton Brawer died on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Brilliantly loving and stubbornly devoted, Milton J. Brawer PhD was an added blessing in many ways. His entire life was dedicated to his wife, family and his cause. A special man indeed, he will be fondly remembered as a treasure in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

A gathering to honor Milt’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900. Please bring a painting that Milt made for you for a time of reception, food and sharing that will follow the service in the Life Story Center at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors. Milt was preceded in death by two children: Randal Paul Moorman and Martha Moorman Sims. He is survived by his wife, Neltje (Smith) Brawer; his children: Stephen (Madina) Brawer, Roberta Brawer, Sarah Brawer, Phillip Brawer, and Jennifer Moorman-Bolanos; seven grandchildren: Chelsea, Austin, Yasmin, Benjamin, Beatrice, Olivia, and Gabby; one great-grandson, Knoxx Benjamin Combs; his brother, Jerry Brawer; stepsister, Murial Baum and a nephew, Scott Brawer. Please visit Milt’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home or to share a favorite memory or photo. Memorials may be made to Ministry with Community or the Binder Park Zoo.