Donald Ernest Bruellman's Obituary
Donald Ernest Bruellman, 81, passed from his earthly life on Tuesday, March 30th while in the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa following several months of declining health. Don was born October 22, 1928 in Ottosen, Iowa to George and Clara (Gerber) Bruellman. He graduated from Ottosen High School. Don faithfully served in the United States Army for 2 years, which included 10 months in the Korean War. While in Korea, he served in the 439th Engineer's Battalion receiving a commendation for his contribution in the reconstruction of the highest bridge in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, Don and Verda Kellenberger were united in marriage on December 16, 1951 in Sabetha, Kansas. They farmed and lived near West Bend while raising six children and enjoying countless hours with visiting grandchildren. Annual fishing trips with varied family groups created cherished memories for Don. Don and Verda shared their home for 15 years with people from all over the United States as they operated a bed and breakfast - Prairie Oasis. Their lives were touched by the many wonderful guests who shared their home, and they, in turn, touched the lives of their guests as was evidenced by the many gracious thank-you notes received. Don loved farming so much that he did not retire until 2003 at age 75. In January, 2009, following 54 years on their farm, they moved to the Retirement Village in West Bend and thoroughly enjoyed their apartment life and the fellowship they shared with the others who lived there. Retirement also allowed him to enjoy bi-weekly shuffleboard games with his brothers and friends. The competition was always lively since the victors would be rewarded with coffee and donuts provided by the low scorers for the day. The family is most thankful for their father's example of love and caring, not only for their mother and them, but also for those he knew from near and far. He had a soft heart for the needy and a strong faith. As he walked through the valley of the shadow of death he had a longing for his home in Heaven. Throughout his illness, Don never hesitated to express the joy and thankfulness in his heart for Christ's gift of salvation. Whenever Don expressed his confidence of an eternal life in Heaven, he would quickly follow with a statement that it was not due to what he had done, but only because of Jesus' shed blood. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life... Such was his belief. Survivors include his loving wife Verda of West Bend, Iowa; his children, Mona and her husband, Don Haverman of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Mark and his wife, Deborah Bruellman, Rolfe, Iowa, Lori and her husband, Mark Skoglund of West Bend, Iowa, Joan and her husband, Jim Wirtz of West Bend, Iowa, Lisa and her husband, Jeff Banwart of Eureka, Illinois, and Shon and his wife, Julie Bruellman of West Bend, Iowa; 23 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a brother, Harley Bruellman of West Bend, Iowa, and a sister, Elaine Wichtendahl-Blasey of Livermore, Iowa. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Melvin and Eugene Bruellman. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 1 pm at the Apostolic Christian Church in West Bend, Iowa with the Roger Aberle and Brent Kellenberger officiating. Burial will follow in the Apostolic Church Cemetery just south of the church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 from 3 pm till 8 pm at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Center in West Bend, Iowa with the family present. The family will also greet friends and family on Friday 1 hour before services at the church. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donald Ernest Bruellman please visit our Sympathy Store.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?