On January 4th, 2012 Otto Henry Bruns Jr., 71, a beloved husband, father, son and brother entered into eternal peace with his Lord and Savior.
The oldest of five children, Otto was born in St Louis, Missouri on February 15, 1940 to Otto and Bernice Bruns. Growing up he enjoyed his family, going to church, St Louis Browns baseball games and Golden Gloves boxing. In 1953, the year following his father’s untimely death, his mother’s brother Leo Mueller moved the family to Houston, Texas where Otto attended St Peter’s Catholic School and met many life long friends. In 1958 he graduated Marian Catholic High School and entered the United States Navy. From 1958 to 1962 Otto served his country working in communications throughout California and the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Upon his return from military service he married Virginia Green in 1963. Otto and Virginia raised 4 sons together until Virginia passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 36. A few years later God smiled on him again when he met Dianna Bailey. Otto and Dianna shared a lifetime of love and family. It was Otto’s nature to help others and in particular, he volunteered much of his time and energy to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Houston. His efforts included coordinating the operations of the Jerry Lewis Telethon in Houston and, along with his brother David and great friend Merv Albert, started the annual Houston Muscular Dystrophy BBQ cook-off fundraising event. The MDA held a special place in Otto’s heart as his son Steven battled and eventually succumbed to the disease. Otto’s incredible strength in life came from within as he was steadfast in his commitment to keeping God and his faith at the center of his life; a lesson his sons never forgot as he mentored them through life. Otto loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren, and never wavered in showing and giving them his unconditional love. Never judgmental and always quick with a smile, he cheered their successes and picked them up when they fell. No matter what challenges he faced in life, he was certain God had a reason and a path forward. On January 4th Otto’s heart of gold stopped beating but in life it never failed him.
Otto was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Henry Sr. and Bernice Bruns; wife, Virginia Bruns; son, Steven Bruns; brother, David Bruns; father-in-law, Johnnie Green; mother-in-law, Margaret Green; and brother-in-law, Butch Drake. He is survived by his sons, Robert Bruns and wife Melanie of Katy, Texas; John Bruns of Galveston, Texas; and Donald Bruns of Houston, Texas; partner of 30 years, Dianna Bailey of Spring, Texas; daughter Sheryl McAndrew and husband Jack of Eureka, Missouri; son Mark Bailey and wife Dayna of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Catherine, Daniel and Amelia Bruns of Katy, Texas; Alexa McAndrew of Eureka Missouri, and Kelsey and Kenzie Bailey of Katy, Texas; sisters, Janet Swisher and husband Robert of Cypress, Texas, Lois Drake of Clear Lake, Texas, Carol Krengle and husband Cliff of Livingston, Texas, and sisters-in-law Ellen Bruns of Sugar Land, Texas, Sue Cole and husband Kenneth of Baytown Texas; and numerous loving nieces and nephews and their children.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association or the American Cancer Society. Funeral Service and Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2012 at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas. Burial will follow at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston, Texas.
There will be a viewing and visitation from 5-8 p.m. with Rosary starting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston, Texas.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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