Willard 'Willie' Bruns, age 87, of St. Sebastian died on Friday, April 12, 2024 in Coldwater, Ohio.

He was born on March 3, 1937 in St. Sebastian to the late Elmer & Luella (Meier) Bruns. On April 12, 1958 in St. Nicholas Church, Osgood he married Alberta 'Bertie' (Frey) Bruns and she preceded him on November 11, 2023.

He is survived by children, Connie & Ed Klenke of Carthagena, Cindy & Jerry Bruns of St. Henry, Diana & Ted Kleinhenz of St. Henry, Duane Bruns of St. Sebastian, and Barb & Marvin Guggenbiller of St. Henry; 22 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way, 2 great-great grandchild, and siblings and in-laws, Gene & Jeannie Bruns of Maria Stein, Evelyn Bensman of McCartyville, Wilma Bruns of St. Henry, Dennis & Elaine Bruns of New Bremen, Mary Ellen & Paul Gagel of Maria Stein, John & Irene Bruns of Maria Stein, Lois & Nick Kremer of St. Peter and Mark & Cindy Bruns of Ft. Recovery, Bernadette Frey of Dayton, Bernice Frey of Osgood, and Walter Braun of Maria Stein.

He was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, 1 great-great-grandson, mother-in-law and father-in-law Joseph & Cecilia (Bruening) Frey, and siblings and in-laws, Omer & Jeanette Bruns, Don Bensman, Lavern Bruns, Lucille & Andy Bergman, Ralph & Esther Frey, Alvin Frey, Dorothy & Herbert Hoying, Vernon & Juliana Frey, Walter Frey, Marian Braun, Betty & Cy Overman, and Marilyn & Donald Homan.

Willie was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, the Knights of St. John and the St. Rochus Commandery of Maria Stein. He was also a 50 year member of the church choir, a member of the Marion Cluster Resurrection Choir, and a server for funeral masses in the Marion Cluster. He worked at the Coldwater Lumber Yard and retired from Minster Machine after 37 years. He played music in several dance bands for 35 years and he was a member of The Bruns Brothers Band. He loved calling square dances. He was a member of the final graduating class of St. John's High School in Maria Stein. Wille was an avid supporter of the Marion Local High School athletics and band, the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. He enjoyed watching his grandkids and great-grandkids participate in their activities.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 20, at 10:30 am at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Fr. Mark Hoying officiating.

Friends may call from 2 pm to 7 pm on Friday April 19, and from 9am to 10am on Saturday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences may be left at Hogenkampfh.com.