Kenneth J. Bruns, of New Bremen, died on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at 10:06 P.M. at the Vancrest of St. Marys after a period of declining health.

He was born on December 26, 1952 in Celina, the son of the late Julius H. and Mildred P. (Fiely) Bruns. On May 15, 1976, he married Patricia Schwartz, who survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are his children: Joel (Amy) Bruns of New Bremen, Amy (Ross Brown) Bruns of Wapakoneta, Kimberly (Jason) Wehnes of New Knoxville, and Todd (Karen) Bruns of New Bremen; his six grandchildren: Addison Albers, Avery Albers, Aaron Wehnes, Justin Wehnes, Audriana Bruns, and Landon Bruns; his six step grandchildren: Jake Wehnes, Hunter Wehnes, Kaylee Freund, Mackenzie Brown, Reese Brown, and Mila Brown. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Dan Bruns of Chickasaw, Rosie (Tom) Rutschilling of Minster, and Irene Bruns of Chickasaw; and his in-laws: Nick (Brenda) Schwartz of Yorkshire, Ed (Marilyn) Schwartz, Ron (Edith) Schwartz, Donna (John) Kremer, and John (Connie) Schwartz all of New Bremen.

Along with his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brothers Walter Bruns and Joe Bruns.

Ken was a graduate of Marion Local Schools. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, and also belonged to the Minster Eagles Lodge and the New Bremen Rod & Gun Club. He had worked at Crown Equipment Corp. in New Bremen, retiring in 2015 after 43 years of service, first as the supervisor for the former Plant 1 (rotator plant) and later working on the RR line in Plant 4. In his retirement he enjoyed camping and fishing on Lake Erie for perch and walleye, golfing, bowling, woodworking, and spending time at the Legion in New Bremen. He built many doll beds, barns, and toy boxes for his grandchildren, and was quite the handyman, helping others by installing siding and windows, and he also built the bar at Speedway Lanes. He was constantly keeping busy, but loved spending time with his family.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen with Deacon Greg Bornhorst officiating. Inurnment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and again on Thursday, at the church, one hour prior to the services.

Memorial contributions in Ken's memory can be made to Grand Lake Hospice or to the Cancer Association of Auglaize County.

Condolences to the family can be left on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.