Bruno Reule

Bruno Reule, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, died November 20, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in Friedenstal, Romania, he spent numerous difficult years during WW II in Yugoslavia, Sudetenland, and German-occupied Poland before resettling in Germany with his mother and two siblings.

Bruno immigrated to Lodi, California, with his uncle Herbert Funk in 1955. Later that year he moved to Portland and found employment with Columbia Wire and Iron, where he was employed as a machinist for more than 25 years. He met his wife Isolde (who died in 2021) in 1956 at a mutual German immigrant friend’s home and they married on June 4, 1960.

Bruno was a hard-working, determined and resilient soul. He was most happy when he had a project to keep his mind and body occupied. He was proud of his meticulous vegetable garden and found great joy in sharing its bounty with family, friends and neighbors. When time permitted, he enjoyed the peace and quiet of trout fishing at Trillium Lake and in later years observing birds and other critters that visited his garden. Bruno and Isolde were active members of their church communities and Sportclub Germania, as well as the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia-Oregon Chapter. It was this organization that helped promote his book “Bruno: A Young Boy’s Survival in War-Torn Europe.”

Bruno is survived by daughter Ramona; grandson Tristan Cooper; and sister Charlotte and brother Egon, both of whom reside in Germany.

A memorial service open to all will be held 11 am, December 13, 2024, at Rose City Funeral Home, 5625 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213. Committal will follow at Rose City Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Kaiser Permanente Hospice or charity of your choice.