Roy William Bruemmer

Roy William Bruemmer, age 94, went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 15, 2023. He was born October 6, 1928, the oldest of two children, to Roland and Hilda Jonas Bruemmer, on the family ranch in Twin Sisters, Texas. His great grandparents emigrated from Germany and settled the ranch on the Little Blanco River in 1869.

Growing up, Roy attended the Twin Sisters (one room) School House, with his sister Ruby Lee. Roy loved the outdoors and ranching. Roy’s parents leased pastureland across the Little Blanco to run cattle. The land was owned by the Bindseil’s. Little did he know, working the Bindseil ranch, Roy had met the love of his life, Birdie. He and Ruby Lee became great friends with James and Birdie Bindseil. They loved to go to the movie theater in Blanco together. Over time, and several double dates, love grew. Roy and Birdie Lee married, as did James and Ruby Lee.

On June 28th 1952, Roy and Birdie Lee were married. Friends and family came from all over Central Texas for the celebration. Birdie Lee moved to the ranch, and they began building their long and happy life together.

In 1955, Roy entered the Army and was stationed in Virginia Beach VA. He served our country as a Duck Boat Amphibious Instructor and Operator. Ducks were used to shuttle cargo from ships to land during wartime. Roy received awards and recognition for his service. They were most proud of the “Best Dress Uniform” award, as Birdie Lee pressed his clothes to perfection. In July of 1955, Roy and Birdie Lee welcomed Vicki Yvonne into the family. Upon Roy’s military discharge, the family returned to Texas in 1957. Rodney Dale was born in December that year.

Returning home from the Service, Roy helped his father farm and ranch. In 1959 he began working as a Carpenter for Helms Lumber Co, at Canyon Lake.

In 1972, Roy joined the National Park Service, was commission and assigned to the LBJ Boyhood Home. On August 25th 1991, Roy and Birdie Lee traveled to Washington DC, where he was awarded the National Park Service Outstanding Employee of the Year, during the Park’s Service 75th year. He retired in 1993 and Ladybird Johnson attended his retirement party, along with many family members and friends.

Throughout his life, Roy attended Trinity Lutheran Church, initially in Twin Sisters and then in Blanco. Baptized, confirmed, and living a Christian life, he supported the church and his community. Roy served as an Usher, Head Usher and on the Church Counsel for several years.

Roy’s priority was his family and the Bruemmer Ranch. His favorite time spent was with his animals and working the ranch. He and Birdie raised sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses, and cattle. Vickie and Rodney had an ideal 4-H upbringing. Their animals often won awards at the Stock Show. With the precious time he had left in the day, Roy had a few hobbies, and he did all of them with Birdie Lee. Bowling, dancing, and travel were worked into their busy schedules.

At an early age, Roy worked as a Pin Setter at the Twin Sisters Bowling alley. As he and Birdie married, they often bowled in community leagues.

Roy loved to dance. He and Birdie Lee traveled the highways in Central Texas to attend polka and western dances. They belonged to several dance clubs; Twin Sister, La Grange, Schulenburg, Manheim, Anhalt, and Greene to name a few.

They loved to travel; Alaska, Nova Scotia, Germany, France, Panama Canal and Hawaii were some of their favorite destinations. They frequently took bus tours and road trips, visiting the beautiful parks and sites throughout our great country. In 2012, they took the whole family to Hawaii to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Roy and Birdie were awesome grandparents, hosting all five of the grandkids at the ranch. They supported and traveled to see their precious grandchildren participate in all their hobbies, sports, and school functions. Annually they traveled to Georgia to visit the family. Holidays were so special on the ranch with the grandkids.

Continuing his passion for his community and nature, Roy was a member of the Pedernales Soil and Water Conservation Board. He served for 25 years. In 2019, Roy was honored by the Texas Farm Bureau, as he received the Pioneer Award for Farmer/Rancher of the Year.

Roy was loved and respected by so many. Roy was preceded in Death by his parents, Roland, and Hilda Jonas Bruemmer, his Brother-in-law James Paul Bindseil, and his nephew Harvey Gene Bindseil. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Birdie Lee Bindseil Bruemmer, his sister Ruby Lee Bruemmer Bindseil, his daughter Vicki Yvonne Bruemmer Rugeley (and her sweetheart Eugene August Gaida), his son Rodney Dale Bruemmer (Helen Buckley Bruemmer), his five grandchildren: Rozlyn Renee Rugeley, William Murray Rugeley II (Courtney Durant Rugeley), Rodney Dale Bruemmer II (Bree Allen Bruemmer), Margaret Helen Bruemmer and Amanda Marie Bruemmer, his nephews Calvin Ray Bindseil (Linda Bindseil) and Wade Dale Bindseil (Trisha Bindseil). 

Visitation will be held Friday 4/21/23 at 4:30pm-7:30pm at Crofts Crow Funeral Home, 911 Mesquite, Blanco, TX 78606.  We will celebrate his life, Saturday, 4/22/23 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 703 Main St. (Hwy 281), Blanco, TX 78606 at 10:30am. He will be laid to rest in his beloved Blanco Texas, in the Blanco cemetery, immediately following church service.

For those desiring, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 487, Blanco, TX 78606.