Now, anyone who takes a moment to rest and contemplate on the Holy Trinity Catholic Church property can do so outdoors on a bench that bears his name.

About 30 people came together on Tuesday afternoon at the church on Sixth Avenue North to dedicate that bench to a man who was repeatedly described as a role model and true friend.

Bruner died July 15, 2022, at age 78.

He was a basketball coach, dean of students and vice principal at St. Edmond High School. Then he became principal of Sacred Heart Jjunior High School.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
About 30 people gathered at Holy Trinity Parish Tuesday afternoon for an event to dedicate a bench to the late John Bruner.

Then he changed careers and worked for Union Trust and Savings Bank and finally, Central Financial Group.

His list of community involvement includes:

• Various roles in Holy Trinity Parish

• Co-chair with his wife, Connie, of the annual St. Edmond ball

• Member of Knights of Columbus

• Charter member of Webster County Crime Stoppers

• Charter member of the Foster Grandparents board

• Member of the Fort Dodge Civil Service Commission

• Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes

• Member of Trinity Regional Medical Center Foundation Board

• Member of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way board

“I look at John as someone I admire,” Fort Dodge City Councilman Dave Flattery said during a brief event to dedicate the bench that bears Bruner’s name.

He recalled his first encounter with Bruner nearly 50 years ago when he was the coach of his older brother’s basketball team. Flattery remembered how Bruner with his “big voice” commanded the respect of his players.

Dave Bradley, a leader of Webster County Crime Stoppers, reminded the group of Bruner’s key role in getting the group started.

Randy Kuhlman, who worked with Bruner at both UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center and the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way, described him as “a tremendous board member” to whom he could always turn to for advice.