Carl Bruns

BRUNS, CARL RAYMOND (BUD), 94, died of congestive heart failure on Saturday, December 11th. Grandparents: Joseph John (JJ) and Maria Louisa Luck Schlosser and Frank and Mary Moeller Bruns. Parents: Raymond Vincent Bruns and Mary Kathrine (Mamie) Schlosser Bruns. Sister Adeline Edna Bruns Wynn. Married for 28 years to Ruth Conlon Bruns, who died in 1972. They had five children: Raymond Bruns of Huntsville, Alabama, Willie Bruns of Portland, Oregon, Eileen (William) Tomsich of Mansfield, Joanne (Doug) Conley of Centerville, and John (Heather) Bruns of Portland, Oregon. In 1978 Carl married, Frances Culver Roehrenbeck Bruns, who had three grown children: stepsons Rick (Gudrun) of Seattle and Bill (Susan) Roehrenbeck of Little Rock, and extremely special stepdaughter, Robin (Larry) Brun of Centerville; Married 32 years to Frances. Combined 17 grandchildren: John and Rebecca Tomsich, Joy, Kevin, and Joe Schilling, Michelle, Cody, Rachel, and Nicholas Conley, London Bruns, Todd Roehrenbeck, Kitten Beck, Billy, Bradley, Ryan, Scott and Keith Roehrenbeck and four great-grandchildren: Thomas, Will, Little Joe and Jaxson.
Carl's father died before he was born. He was raised by his mother and grandparents in St. Henry, Ohio and always loved to return to St. Henry. He was the 6'1" center on the 1934 St. Henry basketball team. Graduated a valedictorian and then returned for a fifth year to learn at the school's new trade shops. He applied his carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and gardening skills throughout life.
Carl served in the WWII Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes then Guam. His blood was perfect for Navy needs, so he donated at 12 day intervals. Graduated from UC in 1947 with BS in Electrical Engineering.
While engineering cockpit controls at Whitco in East Dayton 1950-53, he invented, but didn't patent, the thumbwheel switch. He worked at Wright-Patt 1953-1980, primarily on C5 test equipment. Coached the St. Albert Pups, Cubs, and Cats. Frances and Carl founded the St. Francis "Keenagers Club."
The family would like to thank our very special caregivers for all of their compassion and care given to mama and papa: Aunt Mary, Chris, Christie, DeeDee, Mel, Ronnie, Sheila and Gem City Home Care: Pete, Lisa and Julie
Visitation will be held, Tuesday (TODAY), December 14th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering 45440. Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 15th at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Francis of Assisi Church.