Joseph Bernard Bruening

ST. HELENA — Joseph Bernard Bruening, 63, St. Helena, died Nov. 21, 2021, at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 26 at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church, St. Helena, with Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial was at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. Helena.

Visitation was Friday morning from 9 a.m. until service time at church.

Pallbearers were Ken Bruening, Michael Bruening, Paul Wintz, Keith Wintz, Steve Wintz, Andy Miner, Joe Miner and Darin Cantrell.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Joe was born July 8, 1958, in Yankton, S.D., to Bernard Arnold and Geraldine Marie (Maly) Bruening. He attended East Catholic Elementary School in St. Helena and graduated from Cedar Catholic High School, Hartington, in 1977. After graduation, he continued assisting his father, milking cows and operating the family farm. He married Juanita Cain June 27, 1992 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton. In 2001, he sold his dairy herd and concentrated on raising corn, alfalfa and beans. He began Mighty Oak Custom Woodworking in 2005, where he built custom cabinets and furniture.

Joe was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Cemetery Association, and the St. Helena Social Club. In his younger days, he played slow pitch softball and volleyball. He enjoyed visiting with his friends and spent his entire life on the beloved Bruening family farm, where he enjoyed hosting family get-togethers.

Joe is survived by his wife, Juanita, St. Helena; five siblings, Jan and Henry “Butch” Ewersmann, Hots Springs Village, Ark.; Carla and Jim Wintz, Hartington; Tom and Pam Bruening, Norfolk; Lynn and Jude Hobza, Omaha; Mary and Duane Miner, Seward; 21 nieces and nephews, and 44 greatnieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, and four brothers, Daryl, Ken, Ron and Jimmy.