Verdell Brus

Verdell Brus was born at Denison, Iowa, April 1, 1938, the son of Hugo and Elvera Wiedemann Brus. On May 29, 1938, he was baptized at Frieden Evangelical Church in Schleswig and later confirmed at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. He was raised on the farm and received his early education in the rural schools before being graduated from Denison High School with the class of 1956. On March 8, 1959, Verdell was united in marriage with Carol Slater at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, Iowa. Their union was blessed with three sons, Scott, Jeff and Todd. They made their home on the farm west of Denison where Verdell farmed first with his father and later his sons, Jeff and Todd. In December of 1982, Verdell and Carol moved into Denison and Verdell continued his lifetime farming career until his death. Although his farming career occupied much of his time, Verdell enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, socializing with friends, attending farm sales, browsing through antique stores, collecting farm toys, running the bulldozer on his farm, traveling, hunting, and, enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada. His love and passion for farming was established early in his life and he enjoyed being a 4-H member and Denison FFA member and president, exhibiting livestock at the Crawford County Fair. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Denison. Verdell died Monday morning, February 5, 2007, at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 68 years, 10 months and 4 days. Verdell was preceded in death by his father, Hugo Brus, uncles, aunts and nephews. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 48 years, Carol Brus of Denison, Iowa, three sons and their wives, Scott and Carol Brus, Jeff and Michele Brus and Todd and Tracy Brus all of Denison, 8 grandchildren, Katelyn, Holly, Andy, Hannah, Dan, Kristina, Mackenzie and Jake Brus, his mother, Elvera Brus of Denison, two sisters, LaJune and husband, Martin Magill of Perry, Iowa, and Karen and husband, John Knudson of Everest, Kansas, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 8, 2007, at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. Brian K. Rihner officiating. Music for the service was provided by Charlotte Dueland singing "On Eagles Wings" and "The Lord?s Prayer" with Marilynn Jepsen serving as organist. Honorary pallbearers included Wesley Rath, Robert Pollock, Roger Brodersen, Robert Denker, Dale Kruthoff, Kenneth Hansen, Marvin Campbell and Larry Brodersen. Pallbearers were Shaun Magill, Bruce Knudson, Randy Clinton, Reggy Clinton, Dennis Slater and Steve Slater. Interment was at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Following the interment the family invited all in attendance to return to the church and join them for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Presbyterian Women. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.