Merle Bruner, age 76, of Watertown, SD, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018, at a hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown. Rev. Kent Stillson will officiate. Music will be provided by A.J. Sherrill as organist. The family is requested to meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. for a prayer service. Visitation will be at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Friday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Saturday. Merle was born on October 8, 1942 in Watertown, SD to Lawrence and Vernota (Tulowetzke) Bruner. Upon completion of his education at Watertown High School, Merle married Terri Koenders on May 29, 1960.
Into this union three children were born, Tammy, Debbie and Jeanne.
The couple relocated to Mankato, MN, where Merle worked as a sales manager at the Heintz Pontiac Cadillac garage. After they moved back to Watertown, Merle's Body Shop was established. Merle was the owner and operator of the body shop before he began working for Aflac. He sold insurance for many years until his retirement. Merle was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. He could often be found on the golf course, or in his garage, tinkering away. He and Terri built their home on Lake Kampeska, where they cherished the time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Merle is survived by his wife of 58-and-a-half years, Terri; his children: Tammy (Ken) Anderson, of Bryant, SD, Debbie (Dave) Anderson, of Bismarck, ND, Jeanne (Steve) Sheehan of Watertown, SD; 9 grandchildren: Jason Jensen, Jennifer Jensen (Cole Gilbertson), Jessica Jensen (Justin Walker), Joshua Anderson, Megan Anderson, Robbie Luken, Parker Sheehan, Jon (Brittni) Anderson, and Elizabeth McGuire; 7 great-grandchildren: Dylan, Arian, Memphis, Audrey, Katharine, Chase, and Keanen; and his sister, Darlene (Marvin) Currey, of Florence, SD. Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Vernota.
Service Details.
Visitation
When: November 30, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: 208 3rd St SW De Smet SD SD 57231
Service
When: December 1, 2018 10:30am
Location: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer
Address: 2001 2nd Street West Watertown SD Watertown, SD 57201
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