Walter Bruns (Veteran)

Walter L. Bruns, 79, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 11, 1931, in Taos, a son of the late Otto H. and Cecilia (Bernskoetter) Bruns. He attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and Taos High School. On August 25, 1956, he was united in marriage at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, to Marilyn Wekenborg, who survives at their home. He served in the United States Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War from 1952-1954. While there, he played on The Grand Opry on Saturday evenings with two fellow servicemen. He was employed for over 20 years with International Shoe Factory and retired from Von Hoffmann Press after 16 years of service. Walter dedicated his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved playing country and western music. Walter was one of the original members of the band "The C&0 Boys" which he played lead guitar for 17 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, hunting and fishing, which he was good at all. He enjoyed spending weekends at his river home and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were very special to him. Walter was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and a longtime loyal investor of Canadian Club cigars. Along with his wife Marilyn, Walter is also survived by two daughters: Kristie Lea and husband Ernie of Macon and Gayle Scheperle and fiancÈ Travis Doll of Jefferson City; five sons: Randy Bruns and wife Tina of Russellville, Tim Bruns and wife Jennifer of Wardsville, Darrell Bruns and wife Jennifer of Taos, Terry Bruns and friend January Rushing of Taos, and Kevin Bruns and wife Kari of Wardsville; grandson: Dustin Bruns of the family home; nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren; one brother: Robert Bruns and wife Judy of Bonnots Mill; one brother-in-law: Art Landers and wife Clara Mae of Jefferson City; three sisters-in-law: Annie Schell of Taos, Barbara Haslag and husband LeRoy of Jefferson City, Carol Feltrop and husband Bill of Rich Fountain; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by two sisters: Angeline Eiken and her husband Jim, and Ann Landers; a son-in-law: Adam Scheperle; father and mother-in-law: Elmer and Lidwina Wekenborg; and two brothers-in-law: Jim Wekenborg and John (Buddy) Schell. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 3:15 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 2, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos, with Fr. Wayne Boyer and Fr. David Maher officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the St. Francis Xavier Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sisters of St. Mary's Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com