Kenneth N. Bruhn

Kenneth N. Bruhn was born on June 20, 1918, to Henry and Agnes Lemmerman Bruhn in Hennepin County, MN. Ken grew up in Hennepin County and attended the parochial school at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in rural Watertown, MN from 4th - 8th grade until he was confirmed. During the "Depression" years, Ken worked as a carpenter for local people, and repaired homes and farm buildings for friends and relatives. He went to work for Streater-Litton Ind. in 1938 as an apprentice cabinetmaker. On November 29, 1941 he married Rosella M. Schmidt in Excelsior, MN. Only a few months later, on February 10, 1942, he was drafted into military service and served on the European Front until October of 1945, when he was discharged as Master Sergeant and Master Aircraft Mechanic. After the service Ken returned to work for Streater's in Spring Park, MN. Ken was a member of the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Mound, MN where he served on many committees. On August 6, 1957 he transferred to Streater's, Albert Lea. He retired as the Superintendent of Wood Manufacturing in June of 1983. Ken was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and served as a Trustee and on other committees. He also sang in the choir and loved to sing with the Careyaires. Ken was also a member of the Lion's Club when he first came to Albert Lea and was active in Kiwanas and the American Legion. Ken had a lifelong hobby of woodworking; he also loved fishing and time spent with his family at their Elysian Lake home. His first gift from his father was "a hatchet, a hammer and a saw". He said if he couldn't put it together he could chop it up. Ken was committed to helping other people wherever he could, but by far, the most important part of Ken's life was his wife and family. Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Rosella; children, Beverly Jane Art Emick of Janesville, MN, and Sandra Lee Dean Johnson of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren, Brenda Donahe, Dustin Johnson, Tammy Luken, Shelley Bolstad and Paula Donahue; and 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great- grandchildren. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Tanya Hoy; and brother, Arnold Bruhn.