William "Bill" H. Bruhn, Jr.

William “Bill” Henry Bruhn Jr., the son of William Henry Sr. and Wilhelmina Emma Marguerite (Hansen) Bruhn, was born on July 15, 1936, at home in rural Manning, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township near Gray, Iowa—a church that would remain close to his heart throughout his life.

Bill discovered his love for farming at an early age, and that passion became his lifelong vocation. He dedicated his life to the land, raising crops and building a respected herd of registered Angus cattle.

Church played a central role in Bill’s life. It was there he met the love of his life, Louise Rose at Walther League. The two were united in marriage on September 15, 1957, at the very church where their story began. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. They settled south of Manning on Dove Avenue, where they raised five children and nurtured a legacy of love and labor.

Family and farming were Bill’s greatest joys. He loved spending time with his family—whether gathered around a card table, celebrating anniversaries, or enjoying lively family get-togethers. He had a special fondness for polka dancing with Louise, attending tractor shows, and traveling across the country for cattle events.

Bill led by example, believing that character was shown through actions, not words. He approached life with humility, worked hard without seeking attention, and stayed dedicated to the things that mattered most—his family, his faith, and his farm. As a father, he was steady, supportive, and always present. The values he lived by continue on through the family he helped shape.

Bill passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa, having attained the age of 88 years, eight months and 27 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Wilhelmina, and his siblings: George Bruhn, Herbert Bruhn, Ann Stillman, Edna Nissen, and Louise Philpott.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 67 years, Louise Bruhn of Manning; 5 children: Sherrie Bruhn of Sioux Falls, SD, Bruce Bruhn of Manning, Julie (Jon) Garrow of Sioux Falls, SD, Carolyn (Greg) Klein of Manchester, IA, Crystal (Randy) Dreher of Audubon; 11 grandchildren: Staci Stupka (Jake) Ulrich, Joseph (Samantha) Stupka, Peyton Garrow, Pierce Garrow, Emily Klein (Colton) Schnetzer, Macy Klein, Carter Klein, Katelyn Dreher, Madelyn Dreher, Christopher Dreher, and Louis Dreher; 6 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Zoey, and JJ Stupka and Rae, Miles, and Mara Ulrich; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Bill’s Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Manning. Visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. the hour prior. Burial will take place in the Manning Cemetery. Memorials in Bill’s honor may be directed to the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Manning.