Willem deBruin Obituary
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Bill proudly served two years in the Dutch military before immigrating to the United States with his family in 1957, where they made Elmira their home. In his early years, he worked at Remington Rand and later built a long and dedicated career as a pressman at FM Howell, retiring after more than 40 years of service. In his spare time, Bill also helped out part-time at Hofman's Volkswagen Repair, a local shop owned by his brother-in-law Hans, where he always enjoyed lending a hand.
Known affectionately as Wim and Pop by those closest to him, he found joy in traveling, camping, and spending winters in the warmth of Florida. Above all, he cherished time with his family, which remained the heart of his happiness throughout his life.
Wim is survived by his children: Maria (Thomas) DeSanto, Jacob (Terri) deBruin, Cornelis (Shannon) deBruin, Cathy (Bob) Hammond, Luann Shellenberger, Daniel Lewis, and Denise Lewis; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Marinus deBruin; and sisters: Alie deJong, Maaike deKnecht, Bartha Liddic, Johanna (Joe) Wilcox, Cornelia Denson, and Wilhelmina (Paul) Dibble. He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Wim was predeceased by his wives, Grietje (Versluis) deBruin and Nona (Casey) deBruin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jannie (Hans) Hofman and Marie (Sjef) Zantman; brothers-in-law, Ed deJong, Leroy Denson, John Liddic, and Abraham deKnecht; and sister-in-law, Shari deBruin.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Willem's life will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Memories of Bill and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.
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578 Springbrook Dr P.O. Box 173, Canton, PA 17724
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