Feb. 19, 1950 — Feb. 3, 2015

Richard Allen Bruens, Sr., 64, of Vandalia, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, in his residence.

He was born Feb. 19, 1950, in Cassopolis, Michigan to Raymond Bruens and Doris Ackerman. His father survives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Ackerman Bruens and one sister, Linda Susan Bruens.

Dick worked for many years for Andy Hunsberger Construction. Dick loved his partying and music and will be remembered for his hearty laugh. He enjoyed nature and loved hunting mushrooms. His family calls him “The Myth, The Man, and The Legend.” His signature was his headbands and tee shirts. Dick loved his country and proudly served as a U.S. Marine helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam Era. He was especially proud of his American flag and Marine flag.

Richard will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Theresa (Fred) Bruens; two daughters, Amie (Nick) Asher of Elkhart, Robin (Kenny) McBrier of South Haven; three sons, Joseph Bruens of Three Rivers, Richard (Jasmine) Bruens, Jr. of Kettering, Ohio, T. J. (Brandi) Bruens of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two stepsons, Daniel Fred of Lowell, Indiana, Jamie Schmidtendorff of Marcellus; eight grandchildren; three step grandchildren; his father, Raymond “Zip” (Esther Morey) Bruens of South Bend; four sisters, Karen (James) Smith of Cassopolis, Janice Mikel of Marcellus, Laura (Randy Ellis) Keesler of Cassopolis, Kacie (Jimmy Leach) Bruens of Cassopolis; four brothers, Mike (Nancy) Knapp of Jones, Wilson “Butch” Wheetley of Baldwin, Dale (Sandy) Bruens of Dowagiac, Don (Debbie) Bruens of Cassopolis; one sister in law, Debbie Wirta of Mishawaka; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Dowagiac Post 1855, 472 East Division Street, Dowagiac, for a meal and a time of sharing memories. Mr. Bruens will be accorded full Military Honors under the auspices of the Marine Corps and the local Honor Guard.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Richard’s name to Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031-1004.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.