John W. Brouwer

John W. Brouwer, 68, of Hennepin passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side following a brief illness.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville.  Fire department personnel will have a “walk through” at 6:30 p.m. followed by the traditional “Bell Ringing” at 7:00 p.m.

Additional visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church prior to the service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hennepin.  Fr. Patrick DeMeulemeester will officiate.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

John was born on August 20, 1955 in Hazel Crest, IL to Charles and Donna (Baribeau) Brouwer.  He married Mary Ann Gleason on November 26, 1977 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hennepin.

He graduated from Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, IL. Past employment included American Nickeloid Co.  He retired from Washington Mills, Hennepin (formerly ESK) after 39 years of working as a heavy equipment operator.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Hennepin Fire Department.  John was a driver for Putnam County Ambulance.  He was a board member of Hennepin Park District and also served as president.  John also started the Hennepin Annual Independence Day Cruise In.

John was a devoted grandfather to his two grandsons, Everett and Weston, who affectionately called him, papa. He had spent the last two years caring for them and created a special bond.  His hobbies included, golf, hunting and fishing.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Ann Brouwer of Hennepin; two sons, Ryan (Laura) Brouwer of Bay Shore, NY and Andrew Brouwer of Washington, IL; one daughter, Jessica (Chris) Leighton of Hennepin: one brother, David Brouwer of Gardner, IL; two sisters, Cheryl Brouwer (Rory Bancroft) of Newnan, GA and Diane (Mike) Pockat of Minocqua, WI; two grandsons, Everett and Weston Leighton;  extended family, Theodore “Ted” (the late Marilyn) Doucette, Ted (Angel) , Mike and Vicki Doucette and Karen (Tim) Podobinski;

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Charlie Brouwer in 1993 at the age of 15 and one brother Charles Brouwer Jr.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Brouwer, Andrew Brouwer, Chris Leighton, Jeremy Brouwer, David Brouwer Jr. and Thomas Brouwer.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Putnam County EMS, Hennepin Fire Department or St. Jude.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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