Leona Bruns

Leona Sophie Minnie Bruns (nee’Hoops) of Fairbury, Nebraska, passed away Monday, March 27, 2017, at the age of 92. She was born on December 23, 1924 in rural Deshler to Herman W. & Christina (Meyer) Hoops. Many events took place at Peace Lutheran Church - she was baptized on January 24, 1925 by Pastor John Schwerin, confirmed in her faith on June 12, 1938 by Pastor Fred H. Schwerin and married to Elmer Bruns on June 30, 1946 by Pastor Fred H. Schwerin. Her confirmation verse Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.” During life on the farm she was interested in many phases of 4-H and enjoyed exhibiting at the County & State Fair, also later becoming a leader. Elementary education was attended at Dist. 69, the school being across the road from the home, 7th & 8th grade at Peace Lutheran Parochial School in Deshler. She graduated from Deshler High on May 22, 1942, studying accounting & bookkeeping. After graduation she worked at Spring Creek Dairy as a bookkeeper and continued until she married and moved to Hebron, Ne, where her husband Elmer and brother Ervin managed and owned Mandy’s Café, at this time she was a cashier at Penney’s store until they sold the café and moved to Lincoln. They purchased a trailer house and lived at West Court St. Her husband had several jobs, but then he decided to go to barber college under the Veterans Bill of Rights. At this time she was employed at Woodman Ins. Co. until Dec. 28, 1948 then there son was born and in February of 1950 they moved to Fairbury where Elmer began his career in barbering. Their daughter was born on November 12, 1953 at the time they sold the trailer home and bought their first home. As the children were growing up she was active in school, 4-H activities, den mother, Brownies, teaching Sunday School for many years and worked with the youth at the church. Their family enjoyed summer camping trips and a trip to Washington, DC. After their son graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota they took a family flying trip to California. Leona was active in the American Lutheran Church and the women of the church. She was coordinator for the Lutheran Brotherhood , now Thrivent, Business Professional women, Elks Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary & Hospice Volunteer for several years. In 1961 Leona began employment at Lynch Clinic Fairbury Hospital in the office for 19 years, following this at the Fairbury Public Schools retiring in May 19, 2009. In November of 1991, Leona & Elmer celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, also Elmer’s 75th birthday, and 50 years induction in the Armed services and Elmer’s 10th anniversary of retirement from barbering. In June of 1996 they observed their 50th wedding anniversary. Survivors: Son Thomas C. Bruns & wife Kris of Eden Prairie, MN Daughter Kathryn K. Koerwitz & husband Greg of Fairbury, NE Grandsons Eric Dragoo & wife Paige of Frisco, TX Greg Dragoo & wife Angie of Fairbury, NE, Tim & Mark Bruns of Eden Paririe, MN Granddaughter Lisa Davis of Lincoln, Kari Moore & husband John of Bloomington, MN Great Grandsons Chase & Chandler Dragoo of Fairbury, NE Gage Dragoo of Frisco, TX, Peyton Davis of Lincoln, NE, Willem Moore of Bloomington, MN Great granddaughters Halle Davis of Lincoln, NE Isabella Dragoo of Frisco, TX Step grandson Brian Koerwitz & wife Chantel of Lincoln Step-granddaughters Andrea Garcia & husband Ed of Grand Island, NE Jennifer Kunkel & husband Joe of Panama City, FL Casey Willbanks & husband Russell of Harker Heights, TX 8 Step great grandson, 5 step great granddaughters, and 15 Step great great granddaughter Brother-in-law Clarence Bangert of Lincoln Sister in laws Larene Bantemeyer & husband Paul of Fremont, Lenora Frank of Beatrice and Thelma Liebe of Manhattan, KS, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Preceded in death by parents, husband Elmer, two brothers Wilber & Elmer, two sisters Olinda & Loretta, brother-in-laws & & sister-in-laws aunts and uncles, a niece & nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials to American Lutheran Church Mission endowment, Arthritis Foundation, Lincoln, NE, Tabitha Health Care of Lincoln, NE Visitation 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, with funeral service at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 1, 2017. American Lutheran Church 111 12th St. Fairbury, NE 68352 Pastor Brian Julin-McCleary, Soloist Larry Beerbohm, Violinist Sylvia Cross, Organist Mary Johnson. Pallbearers: Randy Bangert, Brian Bangert, Dale Hoops, Steve Werner, Dan Werner, Tim Bangert, Dave Werner Honorary Pallbearers: Eric Dragoo, Greg Dragoo, Tim Bruns, Mark Bruns, Lisa Davis, Kari Moore. Interment Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Lincoln, NE Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home - Condolences www.lincolnfh.com