Cortland - Erwin “Brock” Brauchler, 86, of Cortland passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 10, 2026 at home, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Brock was born on October 18, 1939, in Semlin (Zemun), Yugoslavia, to Joseph and Maria Brauchler. In 1950, at the age of 10, he immigrated to America with his family, entering through Ellis Island. The family was sponsored by his father’s aunt in Mansfield, Ohio, where Brock would grow up and begin building the life that would become a testament to hard work, perseverance, family, and love.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1959. In 1960, Brock began his long and distinguished career with General Motors in Mansfield, where he worked as an apprentice for 10 years. In 1970, he transferred to GM Lordstown, where he worked as a die maker and pattern maker. After an incredible 40 years with General Motors, Brock retired in 2000. He remained a proud member of UAW Local 1714 Retirees.

In 1975, Brock married Lucy, the love of his life. Together, they shared more than five decades of love, laughter, family, and memories. They resided in Lordstown before moving to Cortland in 2010. Brock and Lucille also treasured the 18 winters they spent in The Villages, Florida, where they enjoyed the sunshine and the companionship of many close friends.

Brock was the kind of person who was loved by all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and a way of making people smile. He never needed to be the center of attention to make an impression. His warmth, laughter, generosity, and genuine love for others made him someone people were grateful to call a friend.

He enjoyed life to the fullest. Brock loved softball and golf, car shows and casinos, and the excitement of turkey and deer hunting. He was an avid fan of Cleveland sports and Ohio State teams and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. He was also a proud member of the Moose Fraternity, Cortland, Ohio Lodge 1012 and a faithful member of Cortland Christian Church.

But above all else, Brock loved his family. Some of his happiest memories were made during beach vacations with the entire family—days filled with sunshine, laughter, stories, and the people who meant the most to him. Those memories will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have shared them with him.

Brock leaves behind his beloved wife, Lucy Brauchler; his sister, Brigitte Diez; his children, Steve (Dianna) Brauchler, Frank (Michelle) Rienzi, Mark (Tammy) Rienzi, and Steve Rienzi; his grandchildren, Jacob, Gabriel, Frank, Samantha, Amber (Roy), and Vincent; and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made brighter simply because Brock was part of them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maria Brauchler; his daughter, Tammy Brauchler; and his siblings, Peter, Helmut, Hilda, and Maria.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Brock on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2 to 4 pm at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

A Funeral Service will follow at the funeral home at 4 pm.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Brock’s family.