LeRoy Bruns

LeRoy Kenneth Bruns, age 82, of Titonka, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2020 surrounded by his family. A private family service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Titonka. Inurnment will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. The services will be live streamed on the Oakcrest Funeral Services’ Facebook page.

LeRoy was born on Sept. 20, 1937, on the family farm near Titonka, the son of Heiko and Amanda (Franzen) Bruns. He was baptized and confirmed in faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church. LeRoy attended school at German Township country school until the 8th grade. He then finished his high school education at Titonka Consolidated School. Upon graduation, he began farming with his Dad. In January 1959, he enlisted in the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to farm. He joined the Iowa National Guard and was very proud to serve his country.

On Feb. 21, 1960, LeRoy was united in marriage to Sandra Watson at Immanuel Lutheran Church. After their marriage, they lived and farmed near Titonka, where they raised their four daughters. He also worked in various positions in the insurance industry. In the fall of 2011, they moved to Titonka. LeRoy and Sandie were blessed with 54 years of marriage.

LeRoy enjoyed woodworking, golfing, taking fishing trips with his family in their younger days, and singing. While in high school, he was selected to sing in the Iowa All State Honor Choir. He sang at many Christmas Eve services and was also asked to sing at many weddings and events throughout the years. He loved socializing and was affectionately nicknamed the “Welcome Wagon”. He had many good friends over the years and cherished all of them. But LeRoy’s biggest joy was found in his family. He loved spending time with them, watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren in all of their life events, and taught them the importance of taking care of each other. He loved them all deeply. Faith was an integral part of his life, which was a gift he passed on to his family.

He is survived by his daughters: LeAnn Bruns of Ankeny, Cindy (Greg) Hoover of Johnston, Wendy (Brad) Harms of Titonka, Patricia (Travis) Hassebroek of Buffalo Center; grandchildren: Melissa (Scott) Hemesath, Mitchell Hoover, Megan (Nick) Ratcliff, Lindsay (Zach) Haugland, Weston (Shelby) Harms, Owen Harms, Nicolas Hassebroek, Paige (Mark) Milbrandt; great-grandchildren: Elliott and Crosby Hemesath, Charlotte and Miles Haugland, Kinsley Harms, and baby Ratcliff on the way; sister, Amanda Bruns of Titonka; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hasty of Mason City; brother-in-law, Steve (Ann) Watson of Urbandale; along with many nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Sandie; his parents: Heiko and Amanda; a brother, Alfred; and sisters: Marvella (Art) Post and Troyce (Erwin) Post.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family to benefit several community causes that were important to LeRoy.

Oakcrest Funeral Services in Titonka is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, visit www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com