Louis R. Bruns, 88, Maria Stein, died Jan. 15, 2012, at the Gardens at St. Henry.

He was born July 24, 1923, in St. Rose, to Charles and Anna Meier Bruns. On Sept. 8, 1948, he married Mary Evelyn Schmitmeyer, who died Nov. 15, 1989.

Surviving are seven children, Mary Jane (Charles) Hileman, Celina, Shirley (Roger) Schlater, Versailles, Martha (Rich) Schmackers, St. Henry, David (Joyce) Bruns, St. Henry, Stan (Mary Lou) Bruns, Maria Stein, Linda (Doug) Watercutter, St. Henry, and Louis (Cathy) Bruns Jr., Maria Stein; a brother-in-law, Henry Heitkamp, Maria Stein; 29 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

Also deceased are an infant son, Joseph; siblings and their spouses, Richard and Alice Bruns, Hilda and Andrew Homan, Alvira Heitkamp, and Mary Ann and Cy Fortkamp; and two great-grandchildren.

He was a retired lifelong farmer, and a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and its men's sodality.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Brenberger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Condolences may be made at hogenkampfh.com.