He was baptized into the Christian faith on Sept. 24, 1944, sponsored by Wilkins and Gladys Brune and Elvie Reeder then confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas on April 14, 1957. He was a boy scout and graduate of Bellville High School. He enlisted with the National Guard in 1966 where he served seven years in the reserves as an Airborne Ranger and decorated marksman. He married the love of his life, Gracie Klump on Feb. 27, 2004.

In the true cowboy tradition, he broke too many horses to count, enjoyed calf and team roping with his buddies, spent every Monday night at the 4-H area cheering on his daughter with her horse, Storm, and took his true love Gracie two-stepping as much as possible. After serving as ranch foreman of the 2G Ranch for 36 years, he retired to dedicate time for each and every one of his grandchildren by teaching them how to ride horses, feed cattle, make hay, run a dozer, fish, and get into “just a little bit” of trouble. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and known for his quick (though sometimes inappropriate) wit and contagious laugh.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gracie Brune; daughters Sonja “Sunny” Brune and husband, Will and Nichole “Sheree” Brune; sons Brad Kollaja and wife, Erica and Robert Kollaja and wife, Jennifer; grandchildren Sean Brune-Herrera, Hunter Brune-Herrera and wife, Sofia, Skyler Brune, Cassidy Brune, Jake Lauritsen, and wife Melanie, Kutter, Kinlee, Kaden, and Noah Kollaja, Kolten Kollaja; great grandchildren Ivy Brune, Bonnie and Connor Lauritsen; brother Larry Brune and wife, Helen; nieces Tawanna Zajicek and husband, David, and Natalie Tiemann; nephews Chad Brune and wife, Jennifer and Richard Brune; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arno and Alice Mae Brune, as well as daughter Shannon Leigh and son Sean Arlen Brune.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home with Pastor Ivy Schultz officiating.

Burial will be in New Ulm Cemetery in New Ulm, Texas.

Pallbearers are Jake Lauritsen, Sean Brune-Herrera, Hunter Brune-Herrera, Kutter Kollaja, Skyler Brune, Kolten Kollaja, Kaden Kollaja, Noah Kollaja, and Scotty Schobel. Honorary pallbearers are Kinlee Kollaja and Cassidy Brune.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.