Blake Lucas Bruner

My beautiful son, Blake Lucas Bruner of Sioux Falls, SD. Took his own life at his apartment on Monday, November 21, 2022, turning 21, only 12 days earlier.  

Blake’s Grandpa Gary, who Blake joined in heaven on Monday, had given him a St. Christopher necklace that Blake wore every day. On the back of the necklace, it said “It’s the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.” Blake lived his life by this. He was never afraid and always on the lookout to experience something new.  

Blake and Mirissa began dating in 8th grade and have been inseparable ever since. Blake loved to take Mirissa on weekend adventures. They would take off in the car with no plan or reservations. Just go and enjoy whatever unfolds. Their most recent adventure took them to the Badlands, where they hiked, explored Keystone, and fed peanuts to the groundhogs. Blake even stopped on the highway to move a turtle to safety. Boy, he loved animals. Blake had so many plans! His mind ran wild with goals, adventures, and plans for his future with Mirissa. He was extremely excited to build a home for Mirissa and to get a dog. Together they dreamt of the wedding they would have, creating life and what a big mop of hair that little human would have. Blake was passionate about many things; some of his favorites were cooking, fishing, ice fishing, kayaking, drawing, traveling, talking conspiracy theories with his brother Dylan, and let us not forget, lifting. Lifting changed Blake’s life; he loved it, he studied it, and he incorporated it into most days. With lifting came meal prep and pre-workout, which then led to clean, high-protein eating and his love of cooking which he shared with his grandma Ruth, they had each other on speed dial for any questions.  

Blake was inspired by many: Joe Rogan, Eminem, The Rock, Elon Musk, Brian Shaw and Rocky Balboa to name a few. Their words were gold to Blake motivating him daily.  

Once Blake had a difficult morning before middle school, he missed the bus, and did not want a ride from me, he was going to walk the 2.9 miles to school. It was winter, snow covered the ground, and he left the house without a coat. He got about 5 blocks and a stranger pulled over and asked him if he wanted a ride. He got in the stranger's car, and Blake was delivered to the middle school. When Blake arrived home that day. He told me about his encounter with the stranger. Blake said he knew he should not get into a strangers car, but he did it anyway, “because I totally could have taken him if I needed to mom. Look what he gave me,” it was a $50 dollar gift card to Fryin Pan. Blake was amazed that someone would do this for him. He was blessed by a stranger, and it felt amazing. I was mortified, 1 he got in a car with a stranger, and 2 he had no coat, and this man thought he was starving, and he has a crack-addicted mother at home. Blake treated his friends to a meal at Fryin Pan that weekend. 

It was wonderful to watch Blake become a beautiful man; he was perfect in every way!  Blake gave and gave and gave, putting all others before himself.  He was smart, resourceful, ambitious, and determined to do everything on his own! Ever determined, he always had goals he was working on. He worked very hard to understand what he was doing wrong, and how he could do better, be a better person, a better employee, a better man, and created the drive to be the best and walls to protect his fragile self.  

Every human needs to feel special, to feel that he or she belongs as a valued member, and to feel appreciated and honored. In our adult world of social climbing; fame, and fortune seem to be the only means of finding what we need. In business how often do we place people before profit, a helping hand before blame, caring ahead of winning, and others ahead of self?  

The evening before Blake died, he received an SOS call from me. Grab your brother and get to the house ASAP. Dad and I bought a new tv, I can’t lift it and dad is getting frustrated. The boys showed up and hung the tv. We laughed and joked, we talked about Thanksgiving plans and the chicken Blake was going to smoke for us. Blake and Dylan went back to their apartment and talked about conspiracy theories for hours. Mirissa arrived home from her girl's trip. She and Blake went grocery shopping as they did every Sunday. When they got home, they hung a few Christmas ornaments on the tree and snuggled in bed for the night. He was excited about his future. 

Monday morning Blake got up for the day and went to work. One of Blake's constant struggles, the first thing listed at the top of every goal list and the thing Blake was trying so hard to fix; was to get to work on time. This never came easy for Blake and had been a constant struggle since childhood. He was sent home Monday for being late.  

He went back to his apartment. He did not leave a note. He did not reach out for help. It was stupid and impulsive, and I believe at that moment he could not see past it.  

Blake had plans and goals and a family that loved him. He knew this. He knew to call me for anything. Call Dad, call Dylan, call Grandma or Mirissa, we would have all dropped everything and been there for him.  But he didn’t call or text anyone. The impulse in a moment of despair that can never be taken back.  My beautiful son is finally able to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior with whom he had a relationship.  Blake, I can’t wait to join you when my work here is complete. Love, Mom 

Blake is survived by his mother Abbey, his father John, his brother Dylan, Blakes's future bride Mirissa Nagel all of Sioux Falls, SD. Grandmothers Ruth Lucas and Ginger Bruner of McCook, Ne and numerous family and friends.  

Blake was preceded in death by his grandpa Gary Lucas and Grandpa John Bruner Sr., both of McCook, Ne. 

Blake’s Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home 4800 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD Saturday, December 3, 2022. Visitation with family from 3-4 pm, and service from 4-5 pm.  

In lieu of flowers, Blake would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in his name.