Florence L. Bruer

Florence was born May 16, 1931, on a farm near McHenry, North Dakota, the daughter of Lars and Laura (Peterson) Omdal. Florence’s parents professed in 1937 when she was 6 years old. Florence chose to walk with God in 1944, at Cando, ND Convention.

Florence attended rural schools and after high school went to Teacher’s College in Valley City, ND. She taught in country schools for 2 ½ years.

Florence met Raymond Bruer at a church convention in North Dakota. Early in 1952, Florence left ND for San Diego, California, where she married Raymond, who was in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendelton, CA. They were fortunate to reside in San Diego, where the opportunity of meeting with many friends and workers resulted in special privileges.

Florence and Raymond left California after his honorable discharge. After about a year in North Dakota, they moved to Minnesota for about 30 years. They had a Wednesday meeting in their home for approximately 10 years. They moved to Arizona in 1984, where they had Sunday meeting for about 10 years in Phoenix and a Union Meeting for several years in Sun City.

Florence enjoyed reading, singing while playing the piano, puzzles (crossword and jigsaw), and games, especially Scrabble and Password. She taught her daughters and granddaughters to make some Norwegian favorite foods – lefse and komla.

Florence spent the last five years of her life with Raymond at Meadows Assisted Living, where they received excellent care. Raymond and Florence celebrated their 71st anniversary on January 8, 2023; Raymond passed on July 31, 2023.

Florence is survived by two daughters - Diane (Oran) Byers of Glendale, AZ, and Laurie (Mark) Phillips of Casa Grande, AZ, and three grandchildren – Brenda Byers of Tempe, AZ, Rachel (Nathan) Lyon of Eureka, CA, and Janae Phillips of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; son, Dean; parents, Laura and Lars; sisters, Alma, Lillian and Myrtle, and brothers, Marvin and Clifford.