Robert Bruns

September 20, 1925 – December 27, 2016

Bob was born September 20, 1925 in Denver, CO to Judson and Olga Bruns.  He passed away peacefully December 27, 2016 in Barrington.

Bob grew up in Lakewood Colorado where his family owned a poultry business.   He attended Lakewood High School,   graduating in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps Cadet Program.  He served in WWII with the 95th Bomb Group (H) in England as a tail gunner and was honorably discharged in 1945.   He earned a Bachelor’s of Business degree with a minor in Architecture from University of Colorado at Boulder.  While attending college he married fellow Lakewood High School Graduate Phyllis Overholt and they had four children.  He started his career at Gates Rubber Co. and then shortly thereafter began work for United Airlines as a facility planner in Denver Colorado.  He and the family moved to Illinois starting in Elmhurst and then settled in Barrington.  He continued to work at United Airlines Headquarters in Elk Grove Village before retiring in 1986.  He married his second wife Betty in 1983.  They retired to Scottsdale Arizona before returning to the Garlands in Barrington.

Bob was always very involved in the communities in which he lived.  In 1950, he was inducted into the Masons Lakewood Colorado Lodge #170.  After moving to Barrington, he served as an Ela Township Trustee from 1977 to 1981.  He was also involved in Deer Park and Barrington area planning commissions and community blood drives.  He was a lifelong and faithful Seventh-day Adventist.  During the children’s high school years, he enjoyed supporting the athletic clubs and participated in Boosters Homecoming day pancake breakfasts.  In retirement, he travelled widely, especially enjoying trips on the Concord, the Orient Express and the QE2 cruise ship.  He also regularly enjoyed golf, tennis and reading of current events and politics.  He was a fun friend and loving father and we will miss him dearly.   

He is survived by his children; James Bruns, Bruce “Lenny” (Debbie) Bruns, and Joni (Doug) Brazelton; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.  Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Williams; wife, Phyllis Bruns; wife, Betty Bruns; and brother Judson Bruns.

Visitation will be 4-7pm, Thursday, January 5 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St. (Lake-Cook Rd.), Barrington.  Burial will be private at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.