Patricia Ann Bruner

Pat was born April 9,1935 on the homestead family farm, outside LeClaire Iowa’s ‘Argo Corner.’ Her parents, Selma and Wilbur Drenter, raised Pat and her 3 siblings, Chuck, Jim & Linn, during the depression. The farm was without running water or plumbing until she was in high school. This time instilled in her an ethos of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”.

She was married to Richard Burkamper from 1953-1966, during which time she worked as a secretary at Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric, Duvall County Legal Aid Services, and Pleasant Valley Schools.

She was a single parent for 10 years until marrying Art Bruner, Founder of Sneaky Pete’ Restaurant, in 1976, and together Pat & Art ran a booming business until selling it in 1992. They also owned and raced quarter horses for many years while living in their country home they dubbed ‘Bruner Farm.’

In retirement Pat became a Clarissa C. Cook Hospice field volunteer for 28 years, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the President of the United States in 2023.

Pat Bruner was a self-made woman who believed in paying it forward. She financed cars, a trailer home, a physical therapy business, and multiple business and personal ventures for people. She also volunteered as bookkeeper, bill payer and debt clearer for those in need, in addition to bookkeeping and accounting for local businesses.

She was a whip-smart bookkeeper, a fierce dominoes competitor, a happy hour enthusiast, and friend to many. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, eating out, trying new foods, and sharing a good laugh with folks. She will be remembered for her humor, generosity, kindness, and spirited nature, and she’ll be missed by the many lives she touched.

Pat is survived by two daughters, Susan Williams and Juli Burkamper (Susanne Michaud); her sister Linn Lilienthal; countless many nieces and nephews; her honorary grandkids, Nick, Emily, and Alex; and her beloved dog, Alki.

A celebration of life will take place at Crane & Pelican in LeClaire on October 18th. Special thanks to Officer Shane of LeClaire Police Dept, the LeClaire Fire Department, and her family, friends, and neighbors who helped along the way.

In lieu of flowers Pat asked that donations be made to the following: Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, LeClaire Fire & Police Departments, LeClaire Buffalo Bill Museum, or the LeClaire Community Library.