Arthur Bruner

Arthur “Art” N. Bruner, 86 of LeClaire passed away after a long courageous battle on Friday, January 13, 2012 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf , with his loving wife by his side. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M., Thursday, January 19, 2012 at The Runge Mortuary. There will be a private graveside service. Burial will be in Jack’s Cemetery, LeClaire, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesis VNA and Hospice or the LeClaire Fire Department. Online condolences and tributes may be made at www.therungemortuary.com.

Art was born on October 3, 1925, in Mullen S.D., the son of Arthur A. and Emma (Orr) Bruner. He moved at an early age to a ranch in Edgely, ND. He was united in marriage to Patricia Drenter Burkamper on April 12, 1976 in Las Vegas, NV.

Art established Sneaky Pete’s Cowboy Steaks Inc. in June of 1975 and he was owner operator until January 1992. He had a knack for business ventures and throughout his career he was involved in numerous projects and causes.

Art was a member of The Loyal Order of the Moose, lodge # 360, Clinton, IA. He was a volunteer at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for the 7th Judicial District where he was involved with neglected and abused kids.

He was a true cowboy in every sense of the word and was riding horses before he could walk. In his later years his love of horses and the outdoors led him to breeding and raising thoroughbreds into retirement, until his health would no longer allow him to participate as fully as he would like to. His horses raced at many major race tracks throughout the Midwest and proved to be very successful.

He was a generous man who gave of himself to many. He also enjoyed a cold beer each day promptly at 5:00 P.M.( so please raise your glass and enjoy a cold one in his memory).

Celebrating his life are, his loving wife of 35 years, Patricia; daughters, Devin (Jim) Sharp, Peoria, AZ., Jean Guerin, Sun City, AZ., step daughters, Susan Williams, LeClaire, IA., Julie (Susanne) Burkamper, Seattle, WA.; son, Neil Demaray, FL., and his sister, Shirley Sheldon, Phoenix, AZ; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and very special family, Leroy, Rachelle, Nick, Alex, and Emilee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers.

The family would like to thank, Genesis VNA hospice team, the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, and Shelby, who made Art’s eyes light up and sparkle when she walked through the door.