Walter L. Bruch

1932 - 2017

Walter Bruch

Walter Leo Bruch, 84 of Granite City, Ill., born March 16, 1932 in Granite City, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City.

Walter lived a full life that included many diverse activities and jobs that dated back to his youth. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. His work history included Illinois Power and then Information Technology with the Department of the Army and the Department of Agriculture.

He was a true believer in sharing his time and gave of it freely to many organizations, including Catholic Charities, Junior Achievement, as a Boy Scout Leader, basketball coach, baseball coach, speed skating coach and President of the Gateway Speed Skating Club. He was a member of Holy family Catholic Church where he was a member of the men's choir and a lector for 50 years. His recent years were consumed by his love of golf, the Granite City Knights of Columbus Council 1098 and Assembly 0224. He worked in many capacities including the 4th Degree Scribe, Deputy Grand Knight and 2 years as Grand Knight. He was also a trustee in both the Council and the Assembly. He was a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and a United Way site review team member. He was currently serving the last 7 years as president of the Columbus Home.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver L. and Mazie U., nee Homyer, Bruch; daughter, Karen Ann Bruch who was born in 1956 and passed from this life in 1957; his siblings, John Robert Bruch (infant), Virginia Lee Gale, Lois Jean Bruch (infant) and Theresa Margaret Gundlach.

Walter is survived by and will be missed by the love of his life, Thelma M. (Gerkin) Bruch, whom he married Feb. 13, 1954 in Granite City; daughter, Judine Lux of Edwardsville; son, John and (Connie) Bruch of Glen Carbon; proud grandfather of, Ryan Lux, Kristen Lux and husband Gregory Grimes, Zachary Bruch all of whom will greatly miss their grandpa; his sisters, Louise Rees, Sister Mary Judine B.V.M. and his many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the Granite City Knights of Columbus Council 1098.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 with a Chalice service at 6:30 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City.

Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Ave. in Granite City with Father Jeff Holtman officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.

IRWIN CHAPEL, Granite City, Ill.