OREGON – Leonard L. Bruns, 77, of Oregon, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Born Oct. 20, 1943 in Momence, Ill., to Leonard and Grace (Rosa) Bruns.
Married to Joyce Palmer May 23, 1964 in Oregon. He was the 4th of 8 children. After the passing of his father in 1953, the family moved to Mooseheart School, near Batavia. After graduating in 1961, he moved to Mt. Morris, beginning his “Jack of all trades” careers: paint shop in Rockford, Whitney Buick in Oregon and Wood Bros., where he was a foreman for development. From there, Leonard purchased a truck and equipment to start his own business, later becoming part of Benesh & Bruns. After selling his business, he worked for Helfrick Trucking in Rochelle and retired from Rogers Ready Mix & Material.
Retirement was short lived for Leonard, as he and Joyce started Oregon Powerhouse BBQ. This was fitting, as he said many times, “Wood was for burning, iron was for building!” He was a true believer that anything was possible, but some things take longer.
Survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Bruns; son, James (Lisa Cox) Bruns; grandchildren: Bailey (Matt) Gallagher, Brian (Caitlin) and Beck; brothers: Ralph Bruns, Terry (Lynne) Bruns and Joe Bruns; sister, Jean (Jerry) Bos; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and son, Brian Bruns.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon with Pastor David Rogula officiating. Burial in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation was Friday 5-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Brian Bruns Scholarship Fund at Oregon High School or Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon.
