BRUNER, Joseph Ethan, 1850-1929

BRUNER, FRENCH, MCMURTRY, BURNETT, DOCKSTADER, CHASTAIN, CHAPMAN, BRAUGHT, GREEN

Posted By: Betty Hootman (email)
Date: 3/4/2012 at 20:15:48

Leon (IA) Reporter
Page 2
Thursday, 17 January 1929

Joseph E. Bruner

Joseph E. Bruner, son of David and Mary Ann (French) Bruner, was born in Orange county, Indiana. May 7, 1850, died at his home near Leon, Iowa, January 12, 1929, aged 78 years, 8 months and 5 days.

He came to Iowa when eighteen years of age, and since has been an honored citizen of the state. He was united in marriage to Miss Kate McMurtry, August 13, 1874, at Kellogg, Iowa, in which happy union they lived for more than 54 years. To this union four daughters were born, now Mrs. W. H. Burnett, Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. George L. Dockstader, Downey, California; Mrs. Frank Chastain, Leon, Iowa; and Mrs. Miles Chapman, Bell, California.

For the first few years of his married life he engaged in farming, leaving the farm and moving to Des Moines, Iowa, where he filled various positions of trust. He was a policeman for three years, in the fire department for three years, constable for four years, superintendent of Grand View park for two and a half years, an employee of the street car company for seven years. After residing in Des Moines for some twenty years he bought a farm in Decatur county southeast of Leon, where he resided for five years, then moved back to Des Moines for a period of some fifteen years. When retired from active service he moved to the pleasant home near Leon where he spent the last seven years of his life.

He became a member of the M. E. church of Rushville, Iowa, fifty-two years ago and retained his faith all through his life.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his devoted wife, four daughters, eight grandchildren, one grandson preceding him in death, May 16, 1917, one great grandson, two brothers, O. H. Bruner, of Granger, Iowa, and A. D. Bruner, of Des Moines, Iowa, other relatives and many dear friends. He was a devoted and faithful husband, a kind and noble father, a true and helpful citizen, standing for the best things in life and has honorably filled his station. He expressed himself as being ready to go to his eternal home. He and his good wife were highly respected and greatly loved by those in the community in which they lived and though not able to be out much the past few months, he will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held at the Brethren church in Leon on Sunday, January 13, conducted by Rev. Claud Studebaker. Interment was in the Leon cemetery.

Relatives from Des Moines, besides his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Burnett and her husband who attended the funeral were Mr. H. D. Bruner, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Braught, and Mr. and Mrs. Oris Green. His brothers were prevented form attending the funeral by sickness, Mr. A. D. Bruner of Des Moines, being sick and Mr. O. H. Bruner of Granger, came as far as Des Moines Saturday and by Sunday morning was unable to leave his bed.