Delbert J Bruderer

Delbert Junior Bruderer

On April 17, 1932, a crying baby boy was lovingly placed in the arms of his mother. Born to Conrad and Anna Bruderer, in Providence, Utah; Delbert took his first breaths; and thus began the life of a most remarkable man. 

Delbert was the 10^th child of 15 children; 13 of whom lived to adulthood. Growing up with 10 brothers, and 2 sisters brought many childhood experiences. They worked hard together, raising a large garden, and some farm animals which provided for their needs.  He loved all of his siblings dearly, and enjoyed his childhood with them. Delbert admired his father’s work ethic, and his mother’s resourcefulness.  Del molded these attributes into his character.

Del was known to everyone as a hard worker.  There wasn’t a chore or a job that was too big or challenging.  He owned his own salvage business, operated his 25-acre farm, and contracted with other farmers to haul grain, sugar beets, or hay. He was resourceful, and invented little gadgets and tooling to make the tasks easier. He built his own wood boat he used for several years to fish out of, and to provide extra income as he trapped muskrats on the Bear, and Malad Rivers.

Del attended the Woodruff Elementary School in Logan, Utah.  However, the teachers often made him feel inferior.  Because of this, he didn’t really like school. As he matured, and continued his education, he sometimes would leave school early to go and shoot Magpies, or Crows.  These destructive birds had a bounty of 5 cents each.  This bounty provided the means to keep Del in bullets, so he could continue to make a little extra money.  He became an excellent shot, something that he became very proud of.  He used these skills to provide deer and elk meat for his family.  Later, he joined a Thiokol Shooting Team, winning many Marksmen awards, and earning excellent ratings.

Delbert joined the Navy at the age of 17.  After Boot Camp, they were taken to a shooting range.  Here the tested the shooting skills of the recruits.  Del knew he would score well, and was excited to show off his skills.  However, as he was shooting, he got really sick with a migraine headache.  As a result, he didn’t shoot well at all.  Very disappointed, he waited as they divided up those that shot the highest scores.  Del was not among them.  He didn’t make the cut.  Those that did shoot well were taken to be part of the Marine’s.  Later Del realized that his headache had been Divine Intervention, and he felt it most likely saved his life. It allowed him to serve his Country in important ways during the Korean War. Del served as a Yeoman to the Captain.  He was well liked and excelled in his clerical duties.  However, he didn’t like sitting at a desk very much.

In routine training, Del learned some fire fighter skills.  One day, he found that he couldn’t pick up the fire hose.  It felt like a ton of bricks!  He tried again, but couldn’t lift it.  He was taken to get checked by a doctor, where they discovered that he had contracted polio in his shoulder and arm.  He was sent to the Oak Knell Hospital near Oakland, California.

As part of therapy, various groups would come in and help give service to the shell shocked or otherwise recovering servicemen. As fate would have it, a young woman named Marian Parson was a part of a squared dancing group who came to offer therapy.  Del was ordered to go and to work that arm and shoulder as he danced.

Del and Marian “happened” to be in the same square.  Marian gave Del’s hand a little extra squeeze as they did the Aleman left!  And all of a sudden it seemed… Aleman, RIGHT! As a result, he and Marian started dating.

Dad loved the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He abided by its teachings, and lived the commandments.  He shared the gospel with Marian.  As she studied, prayed, pondered, and attended both the Lutheran Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she studied hard to find out if she should change religions. After much seeking, she received a powerful witness through the Holy Ghost that the Church of Jesus Christ was the whole, complete, and true gospel of Jesus Christ. Del baptized Marian, and a year later they were married in the Logan Temple, on April 14, 1954.

Del moved his Bride to Norfolk, Virginia.  There he completed his final year in the Navy, receiving his honorable discharge.

They began their family, and lived in various places including Providence, Pocatello Creek, Malad, and eventually moved to East Garland to be close to his work at Thiokol Chemical Corporation, where he was employed as a Fireman. He enjoyed his employment there, and revered his co-workers.  They became lifelong friends. They continued to stay in touch with each other throughout their lives. Del retired as Crew Chief, and he mentored many young firemen who learned from him.

Del and Marian served in many Church callings.  However, the calling they enjoyed most was in Scouting.  They taught many young men the skills of the outdoors. Del served over 60 years in scouting, and received the Silver Beaver Award.

Del and Marian opened their home to many over the years.  Del had a compassionate and charitable heart, helping strangers who were stranded for various reasons. There were many nephews who spent summers with him, learning to work hard, and to play hard.  He and Marian also opened their home to 3 Navajo Placement Students, who they consider to be their son’s and daughter’s.   

Del and Marian were always up for adventure.  One such was a 1000-mile horseback ride from Nebraska to Garland, Utah.  They encountered quicksand, rattlesnakes, torrential rains, and fierce lightning storms.  They made friends along the way, and they both agree that meeting these people, who sometimes took them in, was the greatest part of the trip. These friendships continue today.

Del and Marian served a mission to the Navajo Nation in St Michael’s Arizona; serving as Seminary teachers.  They opened their hearts up to all the students, and the love they gave was returned to them. 

As the years flew by, Del kept busy with farming, scrapping iron, and tending to Marian. Marian is the love of his life, and his Eternal Sweetheart. He never forgot her even throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. 

We found a little quote in Dad’s Scriptures.  It reads, “Live your life so that when you are born, you are crying and those around you are smiling; and so that when you die, those around you will be crying and you will be smiling.” He lived this every day.  Dad, we are crying, and we know you are smiling. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 11 A.M. Viewings will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 6-8 P.M. and prior to the service on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 A.M. All services will be held at the Fielding Stake Center (4375 N 15600 N- Garland). Interment will be in the Logan Cemetery with Military Honors. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.