Wilfried Heinrich Bruns

About

University of Nebraska

Wilfried Bruns Obituary

Wilfried Heinrich Bruns June 11, 1924 - November 30, 2009 SILVERTON - Wilfried Heinrich Bruns, age 85, died at Silverton Hospital on November 30, 2009. He was Born in Oldenburg, Germany to Gustav and Anna Bruns. He was drafted into the German Army in 1941. He was a Paratrooper until he was captured and held as Prisoner of War of the Americans in France and England until 1947. Mr. Bruns attended Theological Seminary in Switzerland from 1951-1953. He followed his Bride to be, Lydia Leitner to America where they married on November 21, 1953. He worked in Detroit for the Goodyear Tire Factory and also sold Fuller Brush. His ministry as a Pastor started in Nebraska in 1960, and spanned the states of Montana, South Dakota, and Wisconsin for the North American Baptist Conference. In 1968, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Nebraska with two Master's Degrees in Education and Psychology. Wilfried and Lydia became Naturalized U.S. Citizens in 1968. In 1974, he moved his family to Oregon where he was a beloved middle school teacher in Estacada Middle and Eagle Creek Middle Schools until 1994. "Ranger Bill" was the Scout Master at the Butte Creek Boy Scout Ranch, for the Columbia Pacific Council and was able to influence hundreds of Scouts. He lead a 50 horse/120 mile/7 day trail ride each year from the Scout Ranch to Camp Baldwin, near Dufur, Oregon. In 1990, he and his wife became missionaries to the Overseas Christian Servicemen where he taught school for the children of american soldiers in Mannheim, Germany, until 1992. Wilfried had a profound and deeply rooted faith in God, which he left as his most precious legacy to his children. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lydia in 2002; daughter, Anna, in 1971; sons, Timothy and Mark in 1980; and son, Daniel in 2006. He is survived by his other children, Gerhardt (Barb) from Castle Rock, Colo., Elisabeth Rodman, Salem, Esther Goldman, Salem, Peter Bruns (Donnie) from Silverton and Rebekah Steffen (David) from Salem. "Opa" Bruns had 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His brother, Harro Bruns and wife, Almuth and nephews, Michael Bruns (Laelia) and Thomas Bruns and cousin, Guenther Bruns (Hedai) all reside in Germany. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 5 at Emmaunuel Bible Church in Pratum, Oregon. Viewing at 2 p.m. and services at 3 p.m. with light dinner to follow. Memorial Contributions will be donated to the Dan Bruns Scholarship Fund, Multnomah School of the Bible, Portland, Oregon. Mailing address : P.O. Box 701, Silverton, Ore. 97381. Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Dec. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilfried Bruns

5 Entries

Lena (Gaskell) Wright

December 10, 2020

What LOVELY memories, life moments and skills he blessed so many students, family and friends with. Mr Bruns received the Best Teacher award at Eagle Creek Elementary I believe EVERY reoccuring year. Truly utilized each and every nanosecond to instruct, teach and guide his pupils. He pushed me to exceed in student government as a representative, then vice president and the president my 6th grade year; he encouraged my penmanship skills and my talents in writing which won me numerous awards. Most importantly he knew I loved God but was in a family not practicing Christianity. He blessed me with the most amazing, fully illustrated family bible that I still have today. We continued to write letters of correspondence after he retired and sent little gifts of Cross stitch art since he also taught us how to stitch in class among many other skills and trade. I still remember the sound of his awesome boots on those floors, his great grin which nearly left his face and his laugh when anyone answered with the most absurd response. Second to only Santa Claus with that deep bellow of a hearty Ha Ha Ha! Sure do miss you Mr Bruns and your sweet lovely Lydia Bruns.

God Bless and Keep you Family,
In Christ, Lena (Gaskell) Wright

Elissa Vargas (Woodroof)

December 7, 2009

Dear Esther,
Please know that my heart is with you during your time of loss. I hope that your faith gets you through this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything.

Love, Elissa Vargas

Del Shannon

December 6, 2009

Dear Bruns Family,

Mr. Bruns was my first teacher when I moved to Estacada in 1979 (6th grade back then) after my father became the business manager for the school district. I remember him fondly and still believe he was the best teacher I had, even though it was only for half a year. At that time he was taking his students to his Butte Creek Ranch in the spring and I will never forget that trip and the horse rides we were led on.

Please accept the condolances of our entire family for Mr. Bruns' passing. But also celebrate his life and know that he touched and helped so many with his love, kindness and generosity.

Shirley Lippincott

December 6, 2009

To the family of Wilfred Bruns...
Please accept my condolences. I knew your father when he taught in Estacada. I was the payroll clerk, at the time, so had an opportunity to talk with him regarding fringe benefits, etc., which included family. I always enjoyed our visits. He ws an intelligent, very kind man. I have very fond memories of him. My most vivid memory is of the time your brothers perished in the flood. How difficult that was for you all. I'm so glad to read where your dad's faith was so deep. No doubt that was the sustaining force that got him through that time. I don't remember our discussing faith, but we could have. He was certainly kind and gracious. I'm certain you have many good memories to sustain you through this time of loss. I, too, know the pain of losing mother and father. My heart goes out to you.
Shirley Lippincott

Gordon and Debbie Pisle

December 5, 2009

Dear Bruns Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss and send our deepest sympathy.

Wilfried was an incredibly accomplished and gifted man who loved the Lord with all of his heart. His greatest legacy is the loving family he leaves behind and the friends who will miss him tremendously.

My days at the Boy Scout Ranch were some of the best times and the happiest memories of my life. (Debb)

Prayerfully Yours,

Gordon and Debbie(Deines)Pisle

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results