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Hiawatha philanthropist remembered

By Greg Bebermeyer

02/02/2023

Jere Bruning ( Submitted)

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha philanthropist is being remembered.

Jere Bruning died Sunday at the age of 92.

Bruning was a longtime farmer in the White Cloud area and moved to Hiawatha after retiring.

He was was very involved in the community, contributing years of service to the Brown County Historical Society, KANZA Mental Health Foundation Board, Morrill Free Public Library Board, and the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce, among many others.

Brunning was also a generous donor to many community causes.

It was for the Historical Society that Bruning donated almost half a million dollars in 2022 for a new building, in memory of his wife, Patty. Construction on the building - which will house many of Bruning's personal memorabilia, along with other Historical Society archives and provide a large meeting room - began last July and is to be completed later this year.

Bruning was known for collecting antique Farmall tractors, with his collection being displayed with great pride at the Historical Society's Ag Museum.

A Celebration of Life Service for Bruning will be held Thursday morning, February 9th, at 10:30 at the Zion United Methodist Church, northeast of Robinson.