Robert Brian Bruner

Robert Brian Bruner, affectionately known as “Snap” to his family, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on November 5, 1945 and raised in Carroll, Iowa. 

Brian grew up in a lively house where he and his five siblings got into just the right amount of trouble together. Stories of their wild adventures, especially those of Snap and his brother John, have become treasured family lore.

Brian attended the University of South Dakota and was a proud Coyote, though his heart forever belonged to the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved fishing on the neighborhood lake, playing tennis on Friday afternoons, and pheasant hunting trips with the Bruner Boys. After a career at the Iowa Department of Revenue, he enjoyed a long retirement filled with quiet pleasures like a cup of coffee on the deck at sunrise or an afternoon immersed in a good C.J. Box novel.

Brian was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Cheryl Bruner; his parents, Lorraine (Lovey) and Robert Bruner; and his brother, John Bruner.

His legacy lives on through his children Amy Bruner Nelsen, Tricia (Robert) Killian, Matt (Christine) Bruner, and Lindsey (Mark) Woodcock; his grandchildren Alex, Peyton, Karli, Emma, Carsyn, Cal, Jensen, Finley, Theo, Lydia, and Ellis; and great-grandchildren Cash, Saylor, Beckett, Stevie Jo, plus one on the way. Snap is also survived by his siblings Judy Mixsell, Barry Bruner, Mary Egli, Dave Bruner, and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Snap will undoubtedly be remembered for his good humor, his storytelling, and his ability to turn any stranger into a friend with a joke and easy conversation. He was a patient and easygoing man who simply brought so much fun to the lives of his loved ones.

In accordance with Brian's wishes, his body has been donated to Des Moines University for medical research and education.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (7075 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266). A luncheon in the church parish hall will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to honor Brian’s passion for the outdoors and conservation.