Milton Lynn Bruening

Milt was born on January 13, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the seventh of eight children born to Albert and Gertrude Bruening. He grew up in Salt Lake City, where he enjoyed playing ball with his siblings and helping to support his family. From an early age, he developed a talent for working with his hands, learning from his father how to repair cars,and could build just about anything. His mother instilled in him a lifelong love of reading and learning.

He and Linda Larsen grew up in the same ward and had known each other all their lives. They began dating at age 15 and were married in 1960 in Salt Lake City. They were married for nearly 64 years. Together, they raised three children while Milt worked and studied, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Utah in 1971.

After a few early teaching positions, Milt joined the faculty of Northwest Missouri State University in 1975. There, he taught biology, botany, and chemistry for 19 years. He loved both teaching and research and had a deep impact on students and colleagues alike. Following his academic career, he returned to Utah and worked for IBC Advanced Technologies for 15 years before retiring.

Milt especially loved studying the gospel of Jesus Christ and the world around him. A man of deep faith, Milt was devoted to his Heavenly Father and found joy in learning and teaching gospel principles. He especially loved his Savior and studying about His Second Coming. Loved ones would often find the kitchen table filled with scriptures, books and notes. Milt faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but his favorite was teaching Gospel Doctrine—a calling he fulfilled many times with great devotion. From November 2009 to May 2011, he and Linda served a mission together in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Milt is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Bruening; his siblings Darold Bruening and Marsha Weatherhead; his children Merlin Bruening (Karen), Susan Caswell (David), and his daughter-in-law Lynne Bruening (Ron, deceased); his grandchildren Sean Bruening (Aislynn), Christie Foley (Scott), Scott Bruening, Rebekah Bruening-Dixon (Kevin), Rachel Bruening, Natalie Jacobus (Jake), Emily Ballif (Daniel), Gavin Bruening, Lizzie Bruening, Brooke McGladrie (Tanner), Erin Wagner (Dallin), Garrison Caswell(Jena), and Connor Caswell; and 10 great-grandchildren: Kimball, Emery, Gemma, Ivy, June, Mark, Charlie, Clara, Ruby, and Grayson.

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 1785 E 400 S, Springville, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.