Brouwer, Jacob (1912-1998) | Heritage Hall, Hekman Library

Son of Roelof and Marie (Ketel) Brouwer, Jacob Brouwer was born on May 3, 1912 in Enschede, the Netherlands. The Brouwers immigrated to the United States in 1913 and settled down in Chicago, Illinois. Brouwer was very athletic and very involved in local sports. Brouwer boxed in the Golden Glove competition as well as coached a high school basketball team leading them to become city champions. Brouwer graduated from Calvin College. During WWII, he enlisted in the Navy and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1972. After serving in WWII, he attended University of Chicago where he earned his master’s degree. In 1943, Brouwer married Rosemary Emmett. They had 4 children–Rolf, Kathryn (Rode), Jaqueline (McMahan), and Rachel (Gachpazha).

In 1950, they moved to Sheridan, Wyoming. Brouwer became the Chief of Social Services at the VA Medical Center in Sheridan. Brouwer was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was a church elder. From coaching Little League Baseball to being the chairman of the local Red Cross, Brouwer remained very active in his community. Jacob Brouwer passed away on December 1, 1998.