Wanda Bruns, 92

Wanda V. Bruns, 92, passed into Glory on May 25, 2013 at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold, Ohio. She was born on the Young family homestead in Stryker, OH on August 10, 1920, to Frank and Goldie (Sines) Young.

Wanda loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and wanted to tell others about His love and how to receive the gift of eternal life with Him. One of her favorite sayings was “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” She lived this out with a gentle, caring attitude in everything she did — in the community, her church, with her family, and even in her last years at Fairlawn.

Wanda loved to spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always took comfort from the family pet, whether it was a cat, parakeet, tropical fish, or dog. She did babysitting, taught Sunday school, was a seamstress, and was always baking sugar cookies, cakes, breads, pies and other family favorites. She enjoyed singing duets, doing crafts, playing Canasta, laughing, spending time at the lake, fishing, reading, shopping at garage sales, and entertaining family and friends.

About 75 years ago, Wanda and her mother ran a coffee and sandwich shop, near the school in Stryker. She was as an award-winning Avon representative for 46 years; served in various capacities at the Stryker United Brethren Church; was a charter member and officer in the Heritage Homemaker Club; and helped start a neighborhood Heart-to-Heart Club. She truly cared about others and if she saw a need, she found a way to meet it.

Wanda married Ervin W. Bruns of Ridgeville, OH, in 1940 and they celebrated their 70th anniversary before he passed away in 2010, at the age of 100. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Denver and Bard; sister-in-laws, Florine Young and Hilda Bruns; two brother-in-laws, Eldor and Emil Bruns; and, just recently, niece Ann Young.

Wanda is survived by her children, Rosalie (Dennis) Souers of Hilliard, OH; Bonnie (Gary) Replogle of Stryker, OH; and David (Kathy) Bruns of Angola, IN; by three grandchildren, Teresa (Marc) Minneman of Dayton, OH; Todd (Jamie) Replogle of Stryker, OH; and Liz (Matt) Shirey of Odenton, MD. She also has six great grandchildren, seven nephews, four nieces, and a number of great nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call in the chapel at Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, 407 Lutz Rd, Archbold, OH, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday May 31, 2013. The funeral service will also be at Fairlawn at 11:00 am on Saturday June 1, 2013, with Pastor Nick Woodall officiating. Interment will follow in Evansport Cemetery. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Stryker United Brethren Church. The Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences at www.grisierfh.com