Mr. Leroy Bras, age 76, of Hospers, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2009, at the Orange City Area Health System Hospital.

There will be a funeral service on Wednesday, April 8, at 1:30pm, at the First Reformed Church in Hospers. The Rev. Milton Sikkema will officiate. Interment will follow at the Hospers Cemetery. Visitation will be after 5:00pm on Tuesday, with the family present from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Oolman Funeral Home in Hospers.

Leroy was born on October 2, 1932, in Alton, the son of Harry and Minnie (Peuse) Bras. He was raised in Alton, where he graduated from high school.

He earned a Bachelor's degree at Morningside College in Sioux City. Later, he attended Northern Colorado University in Greeley and the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he received his Master's degree. From July of 1954 to June of 1956, he served in the United States Army.

On July 25, 1957, Leroy married Carol Ruth Van Oort in Orange City. They made their home in Lone Rock and Ireton and then settled in Hospers. He was a music teacher in the Sentral of Fenton School, West Sioux School, and Floyd Valley School, which became MOC-FloydValley Schools.

Mr. Bras was a member of the First Reformed Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder, was a Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. He also belonged to the Gideons.

He liked participating in sports, and in later years, watching games, especially the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of more than 51 years; two sons and their wives, Harris and Heejeon Bras, of West Lafayette, Indiana; and Gene and Vicki Bras, of Pomona, California; three grandchildren, Brittany, Laura, and Daniel Bras; a sister, Margaret Vande Berg, of Sioux City; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Wilma and Earl Vaas, of Newkirk; and Hendrine and Duane Gutcher, of Casa Grande, Arizona; and nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Duane Vande Berg; his parents-in-law, John and Anna Van Oort; a sister-in-law and her husband, Harriet and Marion Andringa; and a step-sister-in-law, Alma Andringa.

Memorials may be directed to the Gideons.