John Charles Bruenn, 85, of Toledo, Washington passed away March 27, 2022. He was born May 19, 1936. John graduated from Napavine in 1954, lettering all four years in baseball, basketball and football.
In 1956, he graduated from Centralia College. He went on to join the United States Army in 1957 receiving a Good Conduct Medal and an Expert Rifleman. Having previously wed twice before, to Nadine Luce and Leta Card, John married Bernadette on November 6, 1991 and together they blended their 10 children, often referring to the family as the “Brady Bunch.” John worked for Washington State Department of Corrections, spending many years at Maple Lane School. He also worked for Group Health, driving patients.
John's favorite color was blue, and that would explain his love of the water. He enjoyed walking along the boardwalk looking at boats. He spent countless days boating and waterskiing out on the water. John traveled in his motor home to work on the Temple in Portland. He was intrigued in model A’s. John was a member of the Cowlitz Valley A's. As a car collector, he participated in car shows in Winlock, Toldeo, Napavine and Centralia. He had a 1930 Model A, 1953 Crown Victoria and a 1929 Sedan Model A.
Surviving children, John E Bruenn (Jackie), Randy S Bruenn (Raechell), Marcus Cordero and Michael Adams (Amy), Valerie Hughes, Cindy Moss (Scott), Amy Lessley (Preston), Charity Weller, Tracy Peterson (Timothy) and Helen McDonald (Joshua).
Services will be held April 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toledo with a military honors graveside to follow at the Winlock Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Bruenn family.
