Eugene L. "Shorty" Bruns, age 91, formerly of Burkettsville, died Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Celina Manor.

He was born March 11, 1925 in Burkettsville, to the late William & Clara (Kaiser) Bruns. He married Eileen M. Gels on July 9, 1949, and she died September 15, 2014.

He is survived by four children, Linda Klosterman of Celina, James Bruns of Mt. Gilead, Sharon Triplett of Celina and Ann VanDenBosch of Coldwater, 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, a sister Eileen Braun of Kettering and in laws, Vera Bruns of Florida, Agnes Bruns of Greenville, Roger & Becky Niekamp of St. Henry, Ken & Joyce Gels of Livermore, California, Lois Ann & Dennis Brunswick of Coldwater, Robert & Norma Gels of Eaton, Frank "Bud" & Lorae Gels of Englewood and Ralph & Janet Gels of Coldwater.

He was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Mike Klosterman and Gary VanDenBosch, a daughter-in-law, Alice Bruns, two grandchildren, a great-grandchild, siblings and in laws, Owen & Betty Bruns, Bernard & Armella Bruns, Lonetta & Al Hickey, Wilfred Bruns, Stanley Bruns, Patricia Niekamp, Stanley Braun, Janice & Joe Hart and Mary Lou & Rolly Weis.

He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, and the Holy Name society of the church.

Shorty was a proud veteran of the US Navy, a member of the Coldwater American Legion and Coldwater V.F.W. Posts and was a former member of the Burkettsville Volunteer Fire Dept. He retired from the former AVCO New Idea Plant in Coldwater.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Wednesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Memorials may be made to State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.

The family wished to thank all of the staff at Celina Manor for their care and kindness.