Donald Bruhn

Minot

Donald Sylvester Bruhn, 91, of Minot, North Dakota passed away on March 3, 2025 at Benedictine Living Community in Garrison, North Dakota.

Don was born February 9, 1934 in Mountrail County North Dakota. He was one of eleven children of Emile and Sarah (Rock) Bruhn. He grew up on his family farm in Blaisdell, North Dakota. After graduating from Palermo High School he married Janette S. Neether and moved to Hoquiam, Washington. There he started a Gypo Logging outfit. They had their sons Donald R. Bruhn and Gregory D. Bruhn.

Don moved to Seattle, Washington where he married the love of his life, MaryEllen Jensen, on August 18, 1969. He adopted Kim and Kevin Bieri. Together the couple had Scott and Andrew Bruhn. He worked for Bethlehem Steel Mill for 27 years. Don and MaryEllen moved to Palermo, North Dakota, where they purchased the Palermo Bar. Later they retired to Minot, North Dakota and lived near their children for many happy years until MaryEllen’s passing in 2007.

Don married Audrey Pierson in 2009 and they spent a wonderful 15 years together. He spent the last couple years of his life being lovingly cared for by the helpers from Home Instead, and his children Kim, Andrew, and Donald.

Don is survived by his wife, Audrey Bruhn of Minot; children, Donald R. (Barb) Bruhn of Minot, Greg (Vickie) Bruhn of Washington, Kim Lowe (Gene Shoenwald) of Minot, Andrew Bruhn of Minot, and Scott Bruhn of Washington; grandchildren, Britnee and Aubrey Bruhn, Brandon and Nathan Gaither, Daryl, Allen, Lavel, and Teryl DeLano, Donald Michael Bruhn of Washington, Bonnie (Lionel) Sugiura, and Julia (Joe) Garinger of Minot. He had many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Sarah (Rock) Bruhn; wife, MaryEllen Bruhn; son, Kevin Bruhn; his brothers, Charles, Raymond, Clarence, Darold, and Lavern Bruhn; and his sisters, Alice Garcia, Dorthy Bruhn, Violet Sandbak, Loretta Evansvold, and Betty Elliot; niece, Arlene Helmers; nephew, Rodger Bangs; and grandson, Scott Allen Bruhn Jr.

There will be a public visitation held at the Faith Lutheran Church in Palermo, ND from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025. Donald’s Funeral Service will follow the visitation and be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Palermo, ND. Milo Mell will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest at the Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Palermo, ND.

The Funeral Service will be recorded and uploaded; you can view Donald’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.springanstevenson.com.

Springan Stevenson Funeral Home of Stanley have been entrusted with arrangements and services. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.springanstevenson.com. 

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 6, 2025.