Velma E. Bruns, age 94, of Maria Stein, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at Briarwood Village, Coldwater.

She was born November 4, 1921, in Cassella, to the late Edward & Rosalia (Bertke) Heitkamp. On June 6, 1942 she married Clarence J. Bruns and he died March 17, 2002.

She is survived by six children: Gerald & Sandy Bruns of Maria Stein, Marlene & Ronald Tuente of Yorkshire, Shirley Hopple of Evanston, IL, Ronald Bruns of Maria Stein and special friend Teressa Kerns of Celina, Bonnie & Brian Dahlinghaus of Maria Stein and Pamela & James Fleck of Chickasaw; a daughter in law Carolyn Bruns of Celina; 23 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; siblings: Rosy Heitkamp, Alberta & Dave Hackemoeller, Dennis & Rita Heitkamp and David Heitkamp.

She is preceded in death by a son James Bruns; a great granddaughter Aubrey Bruns; and siblings and in-laws: Irene & Marinus Ruschau, Alvira & Herbert Schoenlein, Lloyd & Mary Heitkamp, Norbert Heitkamp, Junita & Carl Steinbrunner, Roman Heitkamp, Esther Heitkamp, Thecla Heitkamp, George & Anna Bruns, Cecelia & Aloys Eyink, Elmer & Luella Bruns, Emma & Victor Unrast, Odelia & Ed Overman and Alvina Bruns.

Velma traveled to Portugal, which was very spiritual to her, as she stood on the spot that the Blessed Mother appeared to the three children at Fatima in 1917.

In her early years she worked at Siberling Rubber Plant in New Bremen and at Mersman Furniture in Celina. She helped with all the different chores on the farm and enjoyed it. Most of all she loved being with her children and all the family get togethers. She made a quilt for each of her children and grandchildren and she belonged to several card clubs.

She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Maria Stein, the St. Ann's Sodality of St. John, she was a Mass server during the time Fr. Behen was pastor. She volunteered at Community Hospital and was a Eucharistic minister at the hospital and to shut-ins of St. John parish. She volunteered at the Maria Stein Center and was a member of the Adoration Guild and the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of St. John #288 for which she made many rosaries.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM on Monday August 22, 2016 at St. John Church, Maria Stein with Fr. Tom Brenberger, officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.

Friends may call on Sunday August 21st from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on Monday from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.