Stephen F. Bruder, 93 , of Columbia City, passed away peacefully in the company of family at 3:25 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Born in New Haven, Indiana, on April 13, 1931, he was a son of the late Ferdinand Minerad and Frances Romamo (Steiner) Bruder.  Growing up in New Haven, he graduated from New Haven High School in 1950.

On November 29, 1951, he was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean war and was honorably discharged on November 18, 1953.

On October 9, 1954, he married Nancy Glessner.  They made their home in New Haven, raising six children.  During the summer months, the couple maintained a home on Big Cedar at Tri-Lakes.  In 2009, the couple moved to Columbia City. Nancy died October 29, 2024.

An owner/operator for Suburban TV and Radio Service.  He retired in 1995.

Enjoying lake living, he liked to swim and canoe or just sit with the love of his life on the pier.  He enjoyed working on cars when he could and loved being in his garden, tending to the plants.  He never knew a stranger.

Surviving are his children, Elayne (Peter) Davis-Johnson of Fort Wayne, IN, Sarah (Michael) Clendenen of New Haven, IN, Linda (Christopher) Taylor of Chesapeake, VA, Judie (Stephen) Edmiston of New Haven, IN,  Stephen (Diane) Bruder of New Haven, IN, and David (Sallye) Bruder of Columbia City, IN; grandchildren, David (Tish) Clendenen, Brian (Crystal) Clendenen, Tyler (Emma) Clendenen, Jason (Katie) Clendenen, Celia (Brett) Mobley, Victor (Cailin) Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Anita Taylor, and Eric (Cammi) Edmiston; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Delores Frances (Bruder) Ankenbruck and a son in law Jeffery S. Davis who died in October of 2001.

A Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Friday (Feb. 7th) at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line St, Columbia City.  Burial is at the Catholic Cemetery, Columbia City.  Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday with a Rosary at 6 p.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 207 N. Main St., Columbia City, and 1 hour before the Mass Friday at the church.

Memorials in Stephen's honor are to Parkview Hospice, St. Vincent De Paul Society or Donations for Masses.