David Leon Bruder

January 28, 1943 - March 1, 2021

David Leon Bruder left this world unexpectedly on March 1st, 2021. He lived his life focused on providing for his family, helping friends and coworkers, and being a role model of hard work and integrity for everyone he interacted with during his 78 selfless years. Dave was born on January 28, 1943 in Champaign, IL to Frank Leon Bruder and Grace Bell Bruder and resided in the area for over 50 years. His sole sibling Joan survives him and was an incredibly important part of this life. Bill Young survives him as well and while technically a cousin anyone who knew Dave would know fully Bill functioned as an older brother. Dave briefly attended the University of Illinois, but then left to take over responsibility of the family farm. He was honorably discharged from the Illinois National Guard. On February 8th 1964 he married Ellen Marie O’Brien and they had two children during their 20 years of marriage. Dave will be dearly missed by his two children Chris Bruder (and wife Lori) and Kate Bowsher. He took great pride in his five grandchildren Jordan Bruder, Keaton Bruder, Kaylee Bruder, Cole Bowsher, and Charlotte Bowsher. Dave farmed for nearly 25 years and was very active in multiple organizations in Champaign County, again a testament to his selfless life. Dave was a Board Member for many of these organizations including the Champaign County Farm Bureau, Illini FS, Seymour Fire Department and Mahomet Seymour School Board. He was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Champaign West and active in the Twin City Council #891 of the Knights of Columbus. Dave was introduced to June Kisellus in 1985 by Wayne Weber and they remained together for 32 years until she passed away in 2017. Dave quickly embraced and developed a strong bond with June’s four children Mark, Kevin (wife Rachel), Eric (wife Julie), and Kalli (passed). Equally important were their six grandchildren Skyler, Adam, Avery, Orion, Michael, and Victor. Dave and June moved to Florida in 1995 and he joined the Florida Department of Transportation where he built upon his talents and skills from agriculture to oversee bridge repairs. He left FDOT and joined the private sector continuing his work on bridge repairs until his retirement at the age of 75. He capped off a remarkable life by becoming a certified Hospice volunteer at the age of 76, another example of his giving spirit and selfless nature. An Open House will be hosted by Dave’s family to celebrate his life at 935 Seascape Place Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 on Saturday March 20th from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. A second celebration of life will be held in Champaign, IL on Saturday April 24th. Dave will then be laid to rest with his parents in Champaign, IL at Roselawn cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Dave’s request was for donations to be made to St Boniface Church 416 County Road North 1100N Seymour, IL 61875.