David Lee Bruchhauser
David Lee Bruchhauser, age 61, of Highland, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.
He was born March 14, 1964 to William August and Kay Lee (Roeder) Bruchhauser in Anna, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his father, William August Bruchhauser.
David will be remembered for his outgoing and charismatic personality. To know him was to be pulled into his orbit, as life with him was lived on his terms.
From a young age, David was a wild thing with a love for adventure and fun. He was an avid outdoorsman – having a beehive before it was fashionable, planting hundreds of trees, stocking lakes, gardening, hiking, canoeing, and SCUBA diving.
David loved to cook and developed his techniques early alongside his grandmother. As a member of the Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, his Illinois State Fair award-winning grilling recipes became family favorites.
He was known for creating impressive dinners for family and friends, sharing his culinary love especially with his children, ever encouraging them to try new foods (except liver).
In 1983, David won the distinguished Illinois State 4-H Citizenship award to attend the 4-H National Club Congress where he would meet the West Virginia Citizenship delegate, Deborah Martin in an elevator. The two later married and had three wonderful children who look exactly like them both.
David studied finance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and served in financial services as owner of Bruchhauser Financial in Belleville, Illinois and as a broker for over 35 years with New York Life. David was also the developer of the Lakes of Brookfield subdivision in Highland, Ill.
David served and volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver recipient. He was especially proud of his two sons for also achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Scouting and 4-H led David to be civic minded. He formerly served on the Fairview Heights Public Library Board and also served as President of St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises (S.A.V.E.).
David is remembered and survived by his three children, Elizabeth Christine Bruchhauser, Alexander David Bruchhauser, and Benjamin David Bruchhauser (Alexis); his mother Kay Lee Bruchhauser, his big sister Debra Lynn (Larry) Walter, little sister Rebecca Jane (Spencer) Bruchhauser Farris, his former wife Deborah Martin, and many lifetime friends.
As David was not a traditionalist, there will not be a customary funeral. His wishes will be honored with a celebration of life at a later date.
With gratitude, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 305 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.