Ralph A. Bruns

Ralph A. Bruns, age 85 of St. Henry, died on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Briarwood Village, Coldwater.  He was born on July 23, 1930 in Chickasaw to the late George & Anna (Eyink) Bruns.  On October 23, 1956 he married Roselyn J. Will, and she survives in St. Henry.  He is survived by eight children: Teresa & Steve Poling, St. Henry, Marvin & Cindy Bruns, St. Henry, Diane& Craig Griesdorn, New Bremen, Cindy & Dan Broering, Coldwater, Allan & Janet Bruns, St. Henry, Mary & Dave Bohman, Yorkshire, Lori & Brad Wallace, Greenfield, IN, and Jenni & Wayne Jones, Ft. Recovery.  He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and siblings: Lester & Johanna Bruns, St. Henry, Dorothy & Dennis Bills, St. Henry, and a sister in-law Joan Bruns, Coldwater.  He is preceded in death by three grandchildren; siblings: Don Bruns, Ivo & Jean Bruns, Marita & Ed Elking; and in-laws: Charles & Roberta Will, Roger & Irene Will, and Barbara & Don Knapke.  He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, the Maria Stein Knights of St. John, and a former member of the adult church choir.  Ralph was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and also a member the St. Henry American Legion, the Coldwater VFW, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Coldwater.  He retired after 44 years from the former New Idea factory in Coldwater, he also worked 16 years for the St. Henry schools as a groundskeeper, and after retirement worked at Gel’s IGA, for another 12 years.  Ralph organized various horseshoe clubs, including Coldwater for 37 years, the Mercer County Fair, as well as Chickasaw.  Ralph enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities and following the Cincinnati Reds.  He also loved dancing with his wife, Roselyn, riding his bike around town, and was an avid fisherman.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. Henry Catholic Church.  Burial with military rites will follow in St. Henry Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 8 pm Monday and 9:00 until 10:00 am Tuesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Henry E.M.S. building fund.  Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com