Thomas Reid Bracher

Thomas Reid Bracher, age 76 of Chaska, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, surrounded by family members. 

Born Jan. 20, 1947, he is preceded in death by his parents Richard George Bracher and Mary (Neemes) Bracher, brother Richard Bracher, and nephew Todd Bracher. 

Survived by sister, Patricia (Bracher) Jensen of Eden Prairie, brother, Christian Carl Bracher (Kathy) of White Bear Lake, nephews Scott Soderberg (Cathy), Troy Bracher (Biz), Chad Bracher, nieces Elizabeth Soderberg Chollar (Andrew), Kerri (Bracher) Lesch (Paul), along with 12 great-nieces and nephews and one great, great nephew. 

Tom was born in Minneapolis. He grew up in St. Louis Park, graduating from St. Louis Park High School in 1965 and later from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree with a double major in business and economics. 

While at the University of Minnesota, he was a football lineman on the last U of M football team named Big Ten Champions in 1967, the year in which he was also a member of the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Champions. He was also an inducted member of the “M” Club at the University of Minnesota. 

Tom worked for many years in the real estate industry in the Chicago area. He returned to Chaska where he was employed at the former Chaska Building Center until his retirement. Throughout his retirement years, he loved working the shot put event at track and field meets. He officiated at state high school meets, university and college meets, and USATF events. Generations of high school throwers know of no one else managing the shot put at the state meet each spring. 

Tom also spent many years employed by the Minnesota Twins baseball organization in the hospitality department. 

Due to inclement weather, the memorial service has been moved to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 2, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie. There will be a one-hour visitation before the service. The service may be livestreamed. Lunch will be served after the service. Burial will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, in the family plot. 

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Auburn Manor/Courts in Chaska for their loving care and friendly environment during Tom’s final months. Memorials preferred to the University of Minnesota and put “AndersonBasecamp” in the check memo line. Mail it to the university’s throws’ coach directly: U of M Track & Field, Attn: Peter Miller 516 15th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 OR 2. Contribute online. 

Arrangements are being handled by Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel: 952-975-0400.