OBITUARY Bernard Brucks Bernard William Brucks peacefully went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2019. He spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, praying for him, encouraging him and saying their final goodbyes. Bernard was born on September 7, 1927 to Martha W. Brucks (Schlather) and Henry Otto Brucks Sr. in Martinez, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, three brothers; George (Carolyn), Henry (Dora) and Roland (Delores) Brucks, and two sisters; Edith Brehm (Raymond) and Adelyn Long Huffman. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen (Bagby) Brucks. Three children; Donna Mittel and her husband Dan of Fredericksburg, Tx.
, Ken Brucks and his wife Lisa, and Daughter Lisa Satterwhite and her husband John, all of New Braunfels. He is also survived by four grandchildren; Robin Hollis and her husband Billy of Dripping Springs, Tx. , Jessica Mittel of Fredericksburg, Tx.
, Lauren Saunders and her husband Brian of Rockwall, Tx. and Blaine Brucks and his wife Heather of Austin. Bernard also leaves behind eight beautiful great-grandchildren; Jude Hollis, Pearl Hollis, Boone Hollis, Tillie Hollis, Ruby Davis, Ford Davis, Layla Satterwhite and Kennedy Saunders.
He is also survived by one brother, Horace Brucks and his wife, and Bernard’s sister-in-law, Martha of Pipe Creek, Tx. , a sister-in-law, Jewel Schuetz of New Braunfels, and 33 nieces and nephews. Bernard grew up in Cibolo and Martinez, Texas – the fifth of seven children.
He grew up doing all the things typical young men do. He was definitely a hard worker – a trait he got from his Father and Grandfathers. He began teaching in 1945 at Bulverde School.
While there, he met the love of his life – a striking tall brunette named Helen Bagby. They fell in love and the two married on November 23, 1951 in Blanco, Texas. Bernard served in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1951, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was stationed in San Antonio and Biloxi, Ms. He, however, was best known around New Braunfels and Comal and Guadalupe Counties as an educator, mentor and High School Principal to many students of Bulverde Elementary School, Canyon High School and Navarro Jr. High and High School.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in 1959 and his master’s degree in administration there in 1962. He was a gifted teacher who enlightened many young minds to Math, Algebra and Trigonometry. He became the High School Principal at Canyon High School in 1964 and held that position until 1973, before moving over to Navarro Jr. High and High Schools until he retired from education in 1983.
Bernard also loved to farm. He used his G.I. bill to purchase a small farm in Zorn, Texas in 1962. He and his friend, Arlon Bartels, farmed their properties together for many years before Bernard sold his property in 2014.
There they raised cattle, sheep and goats during that time. His farm was his sanctuary and where we believe he felt closest to God. It was the place where he taught his children to hunt, fish, raise animals, make sausage, haul hay and drive a stick shift.
It was a of many happy times for he and his family. Bernard loved being with his family – especially during holidays, summer vacations, weddings and birthday parties. He and Helen owned property on Lake McQueeny for many years, and often hosted family and friends there for barbecue, swimming, boating, water skiing, volleyball, horseshoes, and fellowship.
They were always such great hosts. Bernard could usually be found in front of the barbecue pit cooking chicken and making sure everyone was comfortable and well-fed. He loved doing it and everybody loved being a part of those special days.
Bernard and Helen loved to bowl and were members of Barbarossa nine-pin bowling club for many years. They built many strong relationships there, with the great people around Zorn and Geronimo, Texas. They also loved to go camping and owned several travel-trailers they would haul behind Bernard’s truck to various camp grounds and state parks over the years.
Bernard’s greatest joy, however – especially later in life – were visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. When his health began to decline it was always the sound of those voices that made him perk up and smile. He loved every one of them and carried them in his heart until the very end.
There will be a visitation at Zoeller Funeral Home on Sunday, November 25th from 5-7 p.m. The family will be there during those hours. Services will held be on Monday, November 26th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Reverend Paul Owens officiating. Burial will be at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park immediately following the service.
The family will be hosting a luncheon in Bernard’s honor at Rudy’s Barbecue restaurant on Loop 337 immediately following the burial. The family would like to thank the staff at Memory Care New Braunfels for taking such good care of Bernard these past fourteen months. You have been such a blessing for him and for his family and they know you all loved him so much!
They would also like to thank the staff at Hope Hospice, who did such a wonderful job making Bernard’s end-of-life journey peaceful and pain free, as well as Dr. Warren Albrecht who was a great Physician and friend throughout his years – and finally, to the many friends and family who have reached out and prayed for Bernard and his family over the past few months – The family loves you and appreciates your friendship and prayers. Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Paul Lutheran Church or Hope Hospice in Bernard’s name. Rest in Peace Grandpa.
Your struggle is over and there are only good and beautiful things ahead.
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