Julian E. Armbruster, age 79, of Highland, passed away Sunday, November 30, at his home. A funeral Mass for 79 year-old Julian E. Armbruster will be Thursday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m., in the St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland. Friends may call Wednesday, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at the Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland.
He was born on Sunday, April 28, 1935, in Highland, IL, the son of Charles F. and Agnes (nee Bratcher) Armbruster.
On Saturday, August 29, 1964, he married Irene G. Armbruster (nee Clarkin) who survives.
He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.
Mr. Armbruster was born in Highland and grew up in Pierron, Illinois. The oldest of five children, he attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and St. Paul High School. He helped raise his brothers and sisters after his father died when he was 11. He attended SIU-C, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy with the 34th Artillery Division. He attended nine years of night school while working full time at McDonnell-Douglas. He earned an AA and BA degree and most of his Masters. He worked at Missouri Research Laboratories and returned to McDonnell-Douglas. He purchased Warnecke Sheet Metal in 1970, a major heating and cooling contractor in Highland, still active in business today as Armbruster Heating. As a youth, he loved to rebuild wrecked cars. He enjoyed attending auctions, dancing, watching his son and grandson play music and perform with their bands, and watching classic movies. He loved to travel, visiting the Mediterranean, Italy, Spain, London, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Julian was also active in providing leadership and guidance to many young men in the Highland area.
Survivors include:
Wife – Irene G. Armbruster nee Clarkin, Highland, IL
Daughter – Mary E. (Philip) Zampogna, Highland, IL
Daughter – Michelle L. (Significant Other Bart Heinz) Kuczka, Highland, IL
Son – Edward C. (Sarah) Armbruster, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Alex P. Kuczka, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Alyssa M. Kuczka, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Samantha J. Armbruster, Highland, IL
Brother – Richard C. (Virginia Wilkening) Armbruster, Highland, IL
Sister – Marge (William) Basler, Highland, IL
Brother In-law – Ronald J. (Rose) Clarkin, Highland, IL
Nieces and Nephews – Many
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Charles F. Armbruster died 3/26/1947
Mother – Agnes Armbruster nee Bratcher died 7/6/1993
Son In-law – Paul A. Kuczka (Died 7/1/2003)
Sister – Mary Liening (Died 3/22/1974)
Sister – Agnes Ann McGuire (Died 10/18/2004)
