Paul H. Bruns, 85, Minot, formerly of the Ryder-Makoti area, died Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Brentmoor Assisted Living Center.

Paul was born February 9, 1925 at Ross, North Dakota the son of Herman and Caroline (Bicek) Bruns. He was raised on the family farm near Ross and educated at country schools in that area. He entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in January of 1945 and honorably served his country in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Upon receiving his honorable discharge on November 25, 1946, he returned to North Dakota.

Paul was united in marriage to Salina "Sally" Borlaug on October 1, 1949in Williston. They made their home in Williston for several years, while he was employed with the Great Northern Railroad. They moved to a farm in the Ryder-Makoti area in 1953, where they raised their family of seven children, as well as farmed and raised cattle throughout the years.

In addition to farming, Paul also worked for Minot Sand & Gravel for over twenty-five years, as well as, Larson Implement and Rensch Garage for a time in Makoti. Paul was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, the Makoti American Legion and Makoti Threshing Association.

His loving family includes : wife of 61 years, Salina, Minot; children: Beverly (Donnie) Janz, Balfour, Duane (Kerry) Bruns, Minot, Mary (Jerry) Petersen, Bismarck, Carol Wurtz, Plaza, Darrell (Lori) Bruns, Makoti, Lola (Finny) Meyers, Deering, and Rodger Bruns, Minot; seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; sister: Nora Kienke, Post Falls, ID; several nephews and nieces.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, along with eight sisters and two brothers.

Funeral service: Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Hope Lutheran Church, Makoti.
Interment: Hope Lutheran Cemetery, rural Makoti.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.