Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Bruns

Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Bruns, 81, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Tabitha at Prairie Commons in Grand Island.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The Reverend Adam Snoberger officiated.

Jeri Erickson was the pianist.

Congregational hymns included “How Great Thou Art,” “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” and “Lift High The Cross.”

Clinton Lambrecht, Travis Niemoth, Brandon Niemoth, Nathan Niemoth, Blake Bruns, Matthew Bruns, and Kason Bruns were the casket bearers.

Burial was in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Jerry was born on September 25, 1944, in Palmer, to Harvey and Merle (Kaiser) Bruns. Jerry grew up in the Archer area and attended Zion Lutheran School in Worms through the eighth grade. He graduated from Central City High School in 1962, and later attended Milford Technical School, where he studied auto mechanics.

Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Kalkowski on May 28, 1973, in Grand Island. He was employed by Peterson Farms for several years as he worked to build his cow herd of Simmentals. Jerry and Mary farmed and raised cattle west of Grand Island throughout their married life.

Jerry made many friends throughout the region while merchandising bulls and enjoyed watching his children exhibit at the Hall County Fair, where many friendly rivalries and lifelong friendships were formed. He served for many years as the beef superintendent at the Hall County Fair and could always be found watching the beef show—until this past year, when he was unable to attend.

Jerry will long be remembered for his signature half-cocked smile and his willingness to beat any competing seed corn price, which earned him numerous honors as a top salesman for NC+ Seeds for many years. He valued the many friendships he built throughout the area, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary of Grand Island; daughters, Cheryl and Mike Lambrecht of Wood River, and Jodi and Greg Niemoth of Grand Island; son, Kelly and Stacie Bruns of North Platte; nine grandchildren, Blake, Matthew, and Kason Bruns, Mallory and Tyson Wagoner, Clinton and Lori Lambrecht, Taylor and Dalton Daughters, Travis Niemoth and Melissa Guenter, Brandon and Cortney Niemoth, and Nathan and Shelby Niemoth; ten great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Cheryl Bruns of Littleton, Colorado; sister, Patricia Sodeman of Apopka, Florida; and sister-in-law, Kay Bruns of Grand Island.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Merle Bruns; brother, Ralph Bruns; and brother-in-law, Bob Sodeman.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Jerry’s family at www. petersfuneralhome.net.

The Phonograph-Herald | October 29, 2025