Bruhns, Norman (1954-2011)

BRUHNS, FRERICHS, SLUIK, SCHMITT, BOOK

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/8/2011 at 23:12:18

Norman Bruhns
(March 18, 1954 - June 30, 2011)

Norman Wayne Bruhns, age 57, of Buffalo Center, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at the United Hospital District in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

Norman Wayne Bruhns, son of John and Charlotte (Frerichs) Bruhns, was born March 18, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on a farm south of Buffalo Center, attended the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center where he was baptized and confirmed, and graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1972. He then farmed with his dad for many years. Very active in the FFA, he earned many awards. He was especially proud of being the first Bison FFA member to earn the American FFA Degree in 1974.

Norman met Marlene Sluik through the CB Radio Club. On May 31, 1980, they were married at the First Reformed Church. Raising corn and beans (as well as hogs the first several years), they lived on the same farm where Norman grew up. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, Angela Marie, Tiffany Renae, and Jessica Nicole. Norman decided to quit farming and began working at Fleetguard in Lake Mills as a leak tester. In the Fall of 2000, Norman and Marlene decided to move to their rental house in Buffalo Center.

Norman enjoyed and put his heart into his job. He worked at Fleetguard for many years until April 3rd, the day the plant closed to move to Mexico. Unemployment gave Norman the opportunity to go to college, something he had always dreamed of, and he started college classes on June 8th at Kaplan University in Mason City. Diligently working on a degree in business, he completed every assignment and was doing very well.

Very intelligent and quick-witted, he loved sharing stories about his life and cherished times spent with relatives and friends. His family could always count on his knowledge and amazing memory for help.

A member of the Lion’s Club, Norman also served on the Nursing Home Board for many years. He really knew the Bible and thoroughly enjoyed his weekly Bible study. He had been a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and radio monitor in past years at church. An avid Green Bay Packers’ fan, he also enjoyed playing cards and mini-golf, reading, grilling, and working at the computer. He loved taking annual family vacations to South Dakota and spending time with his family.

He dearly loved his wife and three girls, always recording their various activities with his video camera. He was quick to share his pride in their accomplishments. A very generous person, he was always willing to help anyone whenever he could.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene, of Buffalo Center, Iowa; his three daughters: Angela (fiancé Rob Schmitt), of Britt, Iowa, Tiffany, of Forest City, Iowa, and Jessica, of Buffalo Center; his sisters-in-law: Patti Bruhns of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Betty Book (Richard) of Britt, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Blanche Sluik, of Britt, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Charlotte (Frerichs) Bruhns, his brother Eldon Bruhns and father-in-law Peter Sluik.

Services will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at the First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa, with Pastor Bill Peake officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5, 2011, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Winter Funeral Home in Buffalo Center, Iowa.

Copyright © 2011, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service

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