Henry Harm Bruns was born December 19, 1921 northeast of Dallas, South Dakota to Harm and Dena (Sassens) Bruns and he died October 3, 2009 at the Gregory Healthcare Center in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 87 years.
Henry was the youngest of thirteen children. In 1934 he moved, with his parents, to Ainsworth, Nebraska. In 1937 they moved north of Dallas and lived west of the Bull Creek. He attended Edens grade school and graduated from the eighth grade in 1936. He was quite proud to have perfect attendance after having to walk to school most of the time. He moved to a farm east of his parents and continued farming. Later his mother and brother, Frank, joined him. He later purchased his present home one-half mile south of his mother and brother. He continued to live there until his death.
Henry was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Missouri synod. He and his family attended the Dixon Lutheran Church until it closed and then became members at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Gregory. He was united in marriage to Verla Hedlund on December 19, 1948 and to this union four children were born: Catherine, Dale, Lori and Lynn.
He enjoyed Hunting and fishing and was very proud of his crops, especially the smooth fields. He often worked cattle with the neighbors and witched wells, which he also dug. He had a good sense of humor and spoke fluently with his family in German. He enjoyed his pets and truly loved and respected his family and was willing to help at all times.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters: Dena Schafer, Flora Karel, Maggie Fuhrer, Minnie Cook, Mattie Harvey, Dick Bruns, Harm Bruns, Bally Bruns, Frank Bruns, John Bruns; two brothers who died in infancy and a daughter-in-law, Joy Bruns.
Henry is survived by his wife, Verla; his children: Catherine (Cecil) Sachtjen, Dale (Mary) Bruns, Lori (Doug) Cookston and Lynn (Merrill) McFayden; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Gregory. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory. There will be a prayer service on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the church. Visitation will be prior to both services at the church.