Valerie Faith Brauer

Valerie Faith Brauer, 91, of Traverse City passed away November 14, 2015 at her home with her family by her side.

Valerie was born April 14, 1924 to the late Elmer and Margaret (Elgin) Goertz in Waunakee, WI. She attended West Allis Central High school and graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class.

She worked for AT&T and upon her retirement at age 65 she started her second career in the telemarketing industry and worked an additional 10 years doing that. Valerie was a very thoughtful and caring person and treated everyone equally. She did this with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, making sure that the birthday cards, Christmas cards and gifts were always there on time. Her home was very welcoming and was the neighborhood home for her children and their friends.

Valerie loved to knit. She had made hundreds of sweaters and afghans over the years. She knitted everyday and would often be found watching tv and knitting while not even paying attention to the needles. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret; daughters Faith Robinson, Mary Lee; brother Eugene 'Stub' Goertz, sister-in-law Phyllis Goertz, Pauline Goertz; brother-in-law Jack Tenges.

She is survived by her children, Roy Smith of Traverse City, Jack Smith of Traverse City, Lee Smith of Traverse City, Cheryl (Kurt) Johnson of Waukesha, WI, brothers Marvin Goertz, Elmer Goertz; sisters Lavonne 'Sis' Tenges and Margaret 'Peggy' Wilke; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at St Michael Lutheran Church, 912 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686, at 11 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Jim Nihiser will officiate the service.

Memorial contributions in Valerie's name can be made to the American Cancer Society through www.cancer.org .