Thomas W. Bruen 1876 - 1931

BRUEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/13/2020 at 17:38:32

Onawa Democrat
19 March 1931

Blencoe Druggist Passes Away

Thomas W. Bruen, A Long Time Resident Died Tuesday at Deering Hospital

Was taken ill with pneumonia- has been prominent in the civic and school offices of Blencoe- Funeral Friday morning

The entire community was shocked this week by the death of Thomas W. Bruen, Blencoe druggist who succumbed late Tuesday night at the Deering Hospital in Onawa following a short illness. Mr. Bruen became seriously ill ten days ago and in spite of the best medical services was unable to overcome a pneumonia attack.

Mr. Bruen was born in Galesburg, Illinois June 21, 1876, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Bruen. Together with his family he came to Iowa in 1878. He worked his way through school taking a course in pharmacy at Fremont, Nebraska.

For a number of years, he was engaged in the drug business at Anthon and at Sheldon and later associated with the Hornick – Moore – Patterfield firm in Sioux City.

He came to Blencoe, his boyhood home ten years ago purchasing the drug business of W.G. Baker.

On Monday evening Mr. Bruen’s term as president of the Blencoe Consolidated School Board expired he having refused to become a candidate for re-election.

Mr. Bruen has been identified with all the good progressive enterprises of the community.

As a public-spirited citizen, he gave cheerfully of his time and efforts for the betterment of the Community.

Surviving him are his widow, 2 brothers, Mark and Ed of Kewanee, Illinois, 2 uncles, Thom and Timothy Bruen of Blencoe and an aunt, Miss Norah Bruen also of Blencoe.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Friday) morning at 9 o’clock at St. Bernard Church in Blencoe. Burial will be made in a private mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery.