Ron Bruner

Ronald E. “Ron” Bruner, 76, of rural Akron, passed at 5:27 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Peabody Retirement Community of North Manchester.

Ron was born on April 22, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Wayne and Mary (Weimert) Bruner. He graduated from Fitch High School of Youngstown, Ohio, in 1966. He was led to serve his country with pride in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS Tautog, which was a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, from 1967 to 1971.

After his military service, Ron dedicated many years to maintaining the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. and Warsaw Community Schools and working at Par-Kan Co. in Silver Lake. His commitment to these roles left a lasting impact on the community. Ron’s faith was an essential part of his life. He was a devoted member of Athens Community Church and a member of the former Talma Lions Club.

Ron played the trombone with the Peru Circus Band and was a member of a jazz ensemble known as Tuxedo Junction. Additionally, he found pleasure in fishing at Lake Erie and engaging in camping activities. Sports brought joy to Ron’s heart. He was an avid Ohio State fan, cheering passionately for the Buckeyes. On the golf course, he displayed both skill and luck, achieving a remarkable hole-in-one that became a cherished memory.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Bruner, of Akron; sons, Michael G. and wife Julie Harrold, of Columbia City, Kyle and wife Ashley Bruner, of Warsaw, and Brad and wife Mary Bruner, of the Cleveland area; daughters, Heidi and husband Josh Wiseman, of Morocco, and Jill and husband Brian Smith, of Middleville, Mich.; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a brother, Darrell and wife Maxine Bruner, Youngstown, Ohio.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Mary Bruner.

The funeral service will be at noon Monday, June 17, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Bryan Koorey officiating.

The interment will take place in the Athens Cemetery, Athens, where military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard in honor of his service to the country.

Visitation hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 17, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Athens Community Church.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.