In Loving Memory

Leslie L. Bruens Sr.

Les was born September 14, 1931 to Herman and Martha (Tobeck) Bruens in Woodworth, Illinois in the Township of Ash Grove and entered Heaven in Spokane on September 4th 2017. Les grew up on a farm in Cissna Park, Illinois and was the oldest of five children. After Graduating HS he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Germany. While there he met Viktoria from Augsburg and they married. They had four children together and were married 22 years. They were stationed in many parts of Europe and the United States over the course of his Air Force career.  Les retired as a Sr. Master Sergeant after 23 years of service from Hanscom Field AFB in Massachusetts, where he had also worked part time for the NCO Club. He was a wonderful father and always provided for his family. As a highly intelligent and hard working man, he always reminded his kids “there's no free lunch.” He loved his cars, working on them, reading about them and the sport of car racing. He was a very sharp dresser and always took pride in everything he did right down to the last detail. In his retirement Les moved to Spokane and called this his home for the last 44 years. It was here that he met Annabelle and they stayed together for many years. He was a very active and a sociable man who enjoyed others company, and so not surprisingly he soon became Manager of the Valley VFW Post #1435. He made many lasting friendships while managing there. Dad would drive or fly back to the family farm in Illinois almost every Fall to help his dad harvest the land. He retained his love for everything about farming and tractors his whole life. He loved bbqing and outside family gatherings and held many over the years. Dad became reacquainted with his friend Celia about twelve years ago which brought great happiness to them both. They stayed very active together taking trips, walking, and simply enjoying each others company. He leaves behind his loving companion Celia, Son Leslie Jr., Daughters; CindyJo, Belinda, Rebecca and their Spouses, 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as well as three sisters, Aldine, Jean and Joy one brother Jerry and their Spouses. A Memorial Service will be held Sat., Sept. 23rd at 1:00 PM at Hennessey Funeral Home 2203 N Division, refreshments to follow. An interment ceremony will be held Monday Sept. 25th at 1:30 PM at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake, Washington.

 Service Information