BRUNS, Ruth (Beek) 1931-2009

BRUNS, BEEK, WILLEMSSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 8/1/2009 at 08:16:28

George, IA
Mrs. Edward P. “Ruth” Bruns, age 78 of George, IA died Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Center in George, IA. Memorial service was held, Saturday, July 11th at Lyon County First Presbyterian Church near George, IA, with inurnment at a later date at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George, IA.

Ruth Ione Bruns was born June 25, 1931 on a farm Northwest of George, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Henrietta (Willemssen) Beek. As a young child she experienced the “Great Depression” era. Being the oldest of twelve children, Ruth was responsible as a caretaker for her brothers and sisters. She and her family lived and farmed various places, such as George, IA, Ashton, IA and Adrian, MN. She attended country school in Adrian, MN, until her family returned to George in 1943, where she continued her education. She graduated from George High School in 1950. After high school she enrolled at Mounds Midway School of Nursing in St. Paul, MN. After nursing school she also earned a degree from the Mankato School of Business.

On August 24, 1956, Ruth was united in marriage to Edward Bruns at the Hope Reformed Church in George, IA. Together they lived in Denison, IA, until 1959, and then moved to Sioux City, IA, returning to George in 1961. Ruth worked as an LPN for several care facilities, the Sibley Hospital and for Dr. Gessford in George. She also worked as a bookkeeper for small business and Ed’s farming operation.

Ruth was a member of Lyon County First Presbyterian Church near George, and very involved at a local level in the national organization “World Day of Prayer”. She was an avid gardener and seamstress, and active with Bible Study. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, especially with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-three years, Edward Bruns of George, IA; son Mark Bruns; son-in-law, Mike Bertelsen; two grandchildren, Beth and Brady Bertelsen; nine siblings, Mary Fredricksen of Cedar, Rapids, IA, Sallie Debar of New Brighton, MN, Harlan Beek of Paynesville, MN, John Beek of Boyden, IA, Glenda Noordsy of Pella, IA, David Beek of New York, NY, Rebecca Tabor of Arden Hills, MN, E.J. Beek of Mankato, MN and Esther Williams of Hopkins, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Henrietta Beek; daughter, Dialetta Bertelsen; two brothers, Bartie Beek and Stephen Beek.

(Jurrens Funeral Home)