HOPE — Michael J. Bracher, 53, passed away March 13, 2014, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport after a brave 10-month battle with cancer. He was born in Libertyville, Ill., the son of Leland J. and Mary (McMasters) Bracher.

He attended Carmel High School and the University of Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial science. He was a member of the university's rugby team. For 25 years he was an independent commodities trader for the Chicago Board of Trade.

In 1996, Mike married Kate Lauer in Chicago and settled in Lake Bluff, Ill., where he was active in his children's sports programs and leagues. He was a board member of the Lake Bluff Baseball Association and a certified umpire.

The family moved to Hope in 2010. At that time, Mike joined the Allen Agency in Camden as a voluntary benefits associate. His expertise in the financial services sector, coupled with an attention to detail and friendly open manner, made Mike a capable and knowledgeable insurance representative.

Mike was a member of the Hope School Board serving as vice chairman and was a member of the Camden Lion's Club. He enjoyed coaching and umpiring Little League games and supporting his children's various activities. An avid Chicago sports fan, he anxiously and faithfully followed the highs and lows of his beloved Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father, had a brilliant mind and a quick wit, was an easy going and fun loving guy, a helpful neighbor and friend, a wonderful brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle, a great and good man, who is now in our hearts and souls. We will lovingly carry him with us always.

Predeceased by his parents, Mike is survived by his wife, Kate Bracher; their children, Kaitlyn, Bill, Maddie and Evie; his brothers, Jeff and Kirk Bracher; a niece, Katrina Bracher; his mother-in-law, Mary Waltz and her husband, Graham; his father-in-law, David Lauer and his wife, Marilyn; his sister-in-law, Sue Denton and her husband, Norman, and their children, Parker, Sam, Luke and Jack.

On Tuesday, March 18, a celebration of Mike's life will be held at Cellardoor Winery, 367 Youngtown Road in Lincolnville from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to: Hope Elementary School, c/o Nancy Weed, 431 Camden Road, Suite 2, Hope, ME 04847.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.