Gene Bruns

1936 - 2022

Gene Bruns
April 9, 1936 - January 2, 2022
North Kansas City, Missouri - Gene Parish Bruns, 85, died peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2022 reclining in his favorite chair that faced his beloved 'heirloom' Christmas tree/nativity stand watching football.
Gene was born April 9, 1936 on the south side of Chicago to Bernard and Catherine (Parish) Bruns. His father, grandfather and uncles were journeyman lithographers by trade – Gene followed this tradition as a journeyman plate maker. His father moved his family to where the jobs were -Toledo, Ohio; Dexter, Michigan; before moving to North Kansas City, Missouri. His parent's last move brought him to notice his future wife, Cherlyn Hughes, sitting on the porch across the street from their new home in Kansas City. The two were married on November 3,1958.
Gene and Cherlyn raised their five children in the Kansas City Northland. For forty years, Gene worked as a lithographer at Vile- Goller Fine Arts. Gene's love and commitment to his family was evident in his constant support of his children in their activities. He was 'always there' for their events, hauling them out to Idaho/Utah for school and on numerous family vacations. Gene and Cherlyn worked together for 63 years to center their family in faith in Jesus Christ, service to church and community, commitment to the task at hand and kindness to all.
Gene Bruns proudly graduated from North Kansas City High school in 1956 where he loved and excelled in team sports, including being a team member of the 1955 undefeated state champion Hornets. Gene served his country for eight years in the Army National Guard. He believed in community service. Gene served the city of North Kansas City, Missouri for 12 years as mayor and 14 years as a city council member. Gene treasured the relationships he developed through his community involvement and church. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and offered opinions and hands-on work for numerous community organizations, committees, and projects.
Gene was known for his loyalty and strong beliefs. Despite being sometimes candid in words, his goal was to make a positive impact in the world around him. No challenge was too great for him to tackle. He would often say that he had rubbed shoulders with the very best and worked hard to follow their examples.
Gene was an avid reader, specifically history, sports, and inspirational books. He loved music from classical to country. The work that brought him the most joy was helping those he encountered realize to their potential. Gene worked with many youths through coaching support in NKC High School athletics. As an alumnus, he was asked to organize the first Booster Club for the high school. He worked as a sport official for 30 years through the MSHSA. Gene developed yearly regional sports tournaments for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had countless and rewarding opportunities to learn and grow while he served in a variety of assignments with his church. One of his most rewarding leadership roles came as he served for seven years as a Branch President of a Single Adult Ward with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was there that he had the chance to help others recognize their worth as a son or daughter of God. He loved serving in the temple.
His age eventually caught up with him, but he continued to enjoy small projects, word searches, calling his friends on the phone, and just talking to his neighbors as they walked or drove by the house. Each evening, he and his sweetheart would sit on their front porch to listen to the church chimes as they watched the comings and goings in their Northtown neighborhood. You could say that Gene had a very Frank Capra-esque life. Don't get us wrong-there were ups and downs along their journey, but in the end to say that you met your sweetheart on a porch then were able to sit on the porch together in your eighties...it just doesn't get any better than that.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Catherine Bruns, his in-laws, Clifford and Doris Hughes,
his two brothers-in-law, Donald Hughes and Daniel Hughes.
Loved and survived by his wife, Cherlyn, his children, Bret (Chayapha) Bruns, Kathy (Troy)
Burgon, Vicki (Ed) Carey, Sheila Bruns, and Bernie (Kristy) Bruns; 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Nancy) Bruns, sister, Carleen Davenport; sisters-in laws, Betty (Don) and Karen (Dan) and a host of beloved nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is yet to be determined due to family illness and the surge in Covid cases. The family will be providing more details in the coming weeks. They appreciate your patience.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the charities he gave time and funds to over the years: Earnest & Edna Shepherd Youth Center, Northland Meals on Wheels, The Northland Assistance Center
Special thanks to the NKC Police, Fire Department and NKCH.