Elfriede Marie Bruns, 89, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Coffee Creek in Chesterton. She was born April 27, 1936, in Ruppersdorf/KR. Lobau, a district in the town of Herrnhut in the Oberlausitz (Upper Lusatia) in southeastern Saxony, East Germany, to Ewald & Marie (Heinze) Michel. Elfriede apprenticed as a men’s tailor in Neugersdorf, East Germany, a profession she found to be practical throughout her life. About a year after completing her apprenticeship she left East Germany for Stuttgart in West Germany. A few years later she immigrated to Toronto, Canada where she met Helmut Bruns and married on May 24, 1958. They started their family there with the births of a daughter and son, Reva & Norvin. The family then immigrated to the U.S.A. where they made their home in Valparaiso, Indiana. Elfriede made her career in Valparaiso with the school system serving in the cafeteria and also as a bus driver for many years.
Upon retirement she moved to Temecula, California until her grandchildren coaxed her back to Valparaiso. Elfriede will be fondly remembered as an avid gardener, baker and jam maker.
Survivors include her children: Reva Bruns of Kentucky & Norvin Bruns (Marie Foster-Bruns) of Crown Point, Indiana. She is an Oma to Nolin Bruns (Kylie), Morgan Payton (Owen), Marin Bruns, Jade Foster, and Wade Foster, and an Urgrossmutter to Liam. She was preceded in death by her husband, Helmut, in 1985, her parents, Ewald & Marie Michel, and siblings: Ruth, Erika & Hans.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 25th from 9 – 11 am at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, with memorial service beginning at 11:00 am.
GUESTBOOK
I’m sorry for your loss. Elfreida was a true character. She seemed so full of energy and always loved to bring potato salad or deviled eggs to events! We all loved her cooking! Ever since her fall in September she was going downhill with her health issues getting worse. It was sad to see her declining because I know she wanted to just go home and bake or cook something delicious! -Maryann Foster
Norvin and family, We are sorry about the loss of your mom. Mary Ann has been keeping us posted about her condition. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. -Jill Gallas
Reva, I am so sorry. May your memories of your mom help bring you some comfort in the days ahead. May you also feel her presence with you, especially as you garden and make jam. You continue to be in my heart and prayers. -Terri Spear
Reva and Norvin, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a firecracker and I have many fond memories of visits and times together when we were younger. Tante Elfrieda will be missed! -Glen Anderson
We are so, so sorry to hear of Elfriede’s passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Reva and Norvin, I feel your pain having lost both parents now and hope you can live on happily in those fond memories locked in your hearts forever. Hugs to all, -Dave and Erica Waugh Kyle and Cory Castleberry
Reva and Norvin, I am sorry to hear the sad news of Tante Elfriede’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both at this difficult time. I always enjoyed & looked forward to the visits we had together. Please remember all the good times, learnings and love she shared. A very special lady. Sending sincere sympathies, -Lynn Paulssen
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. We will be thinking of you and your family and holding you in our prayers. -Henry and LaMonica Williams
