Robert Bruns

OTTOVILLE -- Robert A. Bruns, 90, of Ottoville, passed away at 9:31 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Briarwood Village, Coldwater. He was born March 5, 1934, in St. Henry, Ohio to the late Roman and Rita (Kremer) Bruns. In 1955, he married Joan Pax, who preceded him in death in 2006.

Robert is survived by seven children: Michael (Donna) Bruns of Coldwater, Teresa (Jim) Bloomfield of Lima, Angie (Mark) Utrup of Delphos, David (Barb) Bruns of Tiffin, Carol McGee of Cincinnati, Janet (Curt) Cok of Williard and Barb (Kevin) Puckett of Franklin; 15 grandchildren: Mark (Erin) Bruns, Matt (Katie) Bruns, Katie (Wes) Dodds, Josh (Christine) Bloomfield, Bradley (Audrey) Utrup, Lauren (Andrew) DiMario, Danielle (Brandon) Coffman, Jessica (Austin) Harvey, Casey (Brandyn) Banks-Sherer, Kyle (Megan) McGee, Sarah McGee, Matt (Elise) Cok, Jay (Laura) Cok, Mikayla Mueller and Jacob Mueller; 21 great-grandchildren with three on the way; siblings: Judy (David) Didier, John (Jean) Bruns, Margie (Don) Nottingham and Bev Bramstedt; sister-in-law, Ethel Bruns; and two brothers-in-law: Paul Dierker and Joe Hahn.

He was also preceded in death by three siblings: Gerald Bruns, Arlene Dierker and Jean Hahn.

Robert graduated from St. Henry High School in 1952, where he was the first basketball player in school history to score 1000 points. He graduated from the University of Dayton earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education and received his Master's Degree from Ohio University.

Robert began his teaching career at Cranberry School and later taught at Marion Local School, where he had many titles: teacher, coach and athletic director. In 1963, he became the Superintendent of Ottoville Local Schools, where he retired after 25 years.

Robert served on the Board of Education at Ottoville and Vantage Career Center, Van Wert. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, Putnam County Retired Teachers, founding member of the Ottoville Park Board, past member of Ottoville Lions Club and member of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association. He was also the owner/operator of BJ Charter on Lake Erie for 15 years.

Robert loved spending time with his friends and family. He had many interests, but his two favorites were fishing and hunting.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with the Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday and again on Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township. On Sunday, a scripture service will begin at 1:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ottoville Immaculate Conception Educational Foundation. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.