John Richard Bruender

JOHN RICHARD BRUENDER, age 86, of Madison Lake, passed away on September 17, 2024, following a short illness at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Born on September 9, 1938, in Mankato, John was the son of Henry and Thora (Sorensen) Bruender. He grew up in Eagle Lake, starting his education at a country school before attending Franklin Elementary School and Union School in Mankato. John graduated from the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca with the class of 1956.

On February 20, 1960, John married Betty Schroeder at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. They began their married life on a farm in Deerfield Township, Steele County, before building a home in rural Eagle Lake in 1965. In 1992, they constructed a log home in rural Mankato. In later years, John and Betty enjoyed living on Middle Jefferson Lake, wintering in Texas for the past 15 years, and spending summers at their daughter and son-in-law's campground in Owatonna.

John started his career in farming and worked at Continental Can Company in Mankato. In 1965, he founded Bruender Construction, which he owned and operated for many years, passing not only the business but also his passion for construction down to his son. John loved to work and remained engaged in his work until his passing. 

Traveling was another of John's great passions; he and Betty visited over 30 countries and all 50 states together. Throughout their lives, they raised 11 children and welcomed five exchange students from Europe into their home, enjoying the opportunity to visit them in their home countries.

John was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), and the Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Contractors Association (MOSTCA). The family often took vacations to attend conventions across the United States.

A devoted Catholic, John lived his faith daily, remaining active in his local parish wherever he lived. He always made time for Mass, exemplifying his deep faith and commitment.

Blessed be his memory.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; children: Tammy (Dean) Tettam, Deborah (Loren) Williams, Lisa (Ernie) Sieberg, Christine Kunz (fiancé, Phil Rothmeier), Steve (Noelle) Bruender, Jim (Calie) Bruender, Amy (Justin) Kamp, Rebecca (Wayne) Cederberg, Jennifer Bruender, Julie (Josh) Dietz, and Matthew (Katie) Bruender; 35 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; sister, Janice Schaible; brother, Eugene (Joyce) Bruender; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Bruender; son-in-law, Les Kunz; great granddaughter, Sophia Branchaud; brother-in-law, Tom Schaible. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2024, with a rosary service to begin at 3:30 PM all at the St. Ann Parish Hall in Janesville. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Clair with Fr. Robert Schneider as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery.

A Live Stream of John's Mass of Christian Burial will be available at https://venue.streamspot.com/76851bcd