Olympus High School Class of 1967 - Latest News

Wilford Lamar Bruderer, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT, of natural causes.

Wilford was born a twin on June 30, 1918 in Salt Lake City, UT to Karl and Josephine Schiess Bruderer. He learned to work hard at an early age, delivering Winder Dairy with his Dad in a milk wagon pulled by mules. He graduated from East High, and earned his Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at BYU. He served an LDS mission in Switzerland. While in the Navy during WWII, his ship missed the bombing of Pearl Harbor by one day. Later, when teaching German at BYU he fell in love with one of his students, Violet Asbury. Sealed by President J. Reuben Clark in the Salt Lake Temple on March 22, 1948, they were married for 57 caring years raising 7 capable children. He was known as “Herr Bruderer” at Olympus High, where he taught German and Business classes for nearly 30 years.

Dad had a quick wit and people loved to talk and laugh with him. He was handy and loved to build things. A loving caring father, he worked hard to provide for his family, working two jobs to make ends meet. He encouraged his children to always do their best. He had a sharp mind, an intelligent vocabulary and dedicated his career to making a difference in the lives of those he taught. Even 30+ years after retiring, he still received letters from his students. He loved sports and nearly bowled a perfect game. A member of the Cougar Club, he never missed a BYU football game. Dad was a devoted member of the LDS Church and served faithfully in many capacities. Also a devoted husband, he cared for his wife, whom he affectionately called “Flower.”

Survivors include his sister, Gladys Wise, UT; brother, Leland (Jean), UT; children: Carol (Rod) MT, Bonnie (James) Starr, KS, Clark (Linda), TX, Brian (Vickie), TX, Heidi (Randy) Wright, WI, Kristie (Shaun) Baker and Jeff (Nicole), of UT. Grandfather of 32, and great-grandfather of 29. Preceded in death by his dear wife Violet Asbury; parents, Karl and Josephine; brothers Eldon, Cliff, Willard (twin), Lloyd, and sister Mathilda; and daughter-in-law Barbara Fowler.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the loving care Dad received from the staff at Highland Cove, Affinity Hospice and his personal care providers Jennifer and Tina.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Holladay North Stake Center, 4395 Albright Drive (2145 East), Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East in Holladay, UT and at the Holladay North Stake Center on Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to the services. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North “N” Street. Please send condolences to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com. Donations may be made in his name to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.