Merle L. Bruflat, 96, passed away on November 17, 2020 in Raymore, Missouri following a brief illness. Visitation will be held at Newcomer’s Floral Hills Funeral Home on November 23 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service and burial at Mt. Olivet at 11:00.
Merle was born on October 23, 1924 in Toronto, South Dakota to Howard and Lilian (Petersen) Bruflat. He grew up on a farm in the Toronto area with his three younger brothers: Donald Richard and Vinton. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific, Philippines, and Japan. After Engineer Basic Training, Merle was a Construction Machine Operator. He was awarded two Battle Stars for participation in the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns, and his unit was cited for outstanding service on Luzon Island. Merle received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Services Ribbon with 2 Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Battle Star and a Good Conduct Medal.
After the war, he attended the University of South Dakota on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a degree in Business. He also earned a certificate from the Rutgers School of Banking. On October 1, 1950 he was united in marriage to Phyllis Ramynke. From this union four sons were born: Mark, Alan, Paul and John. During their 46 years together, Merle and Phyllis lived throughout the Midwest and in southern California before moving to Missouri in 1979. During his banking career, Merle served as a comptroller for the U.S. Treasury and later was an examiner for the Federal Reserve, first in Los Angeles and then in Kansas City where he retired in 1987. After a long illness during which Merle cared for her in their Raytown home, Phyllis passed away in 1996.
On May 21st, 1999 Merle and Marilyn Dameron were married. They shared 21 years together enjoying home projects, walking in their neighborhood, and visiting with family. They were also active in their church with friends and Sunday school groups.
Merle was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, one brother Donald, and one grandson. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and her children, Mike and Sue. He also leaves his four sons: Mark (Rhonda) of Phoenix, Arizona; Alan (Madge) of Wayne, Nebraska; Paul (Julie) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and John (Allison) of Raymore, Missouri. Also surviving are two brothers – Richard and Vinton - as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Kansas City Hospice or a charity of your choice.
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