Bruce Brantner

Bruce A. Brantner, age 66, of Durand, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, surrounded by his family, after a long fight with kidney cancer.

Bruce was born the third child of Bernard and Marlyn (Laschinger) Brantner in rural Mondovi. He grew up on the family farm with his many siblings. After graduation he started his career in insulation with multiple companies. He settled on a small hobby farm in rural Durand where he started his family. He and Laura (Askew) got married in June of 1996 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mondovi.

He loved to checkup on the neighborhood and travel the backroads. Typically, he would find himself at one of his friends or family's homes or garages visiting. He had the gift of gab and would strike up conversation with anyone, anywhere along with searching for the best deal - "free." He had a workshop where he spent countless hours with his brother Donny and his children, working on anything and everything. In his later years he spent time watching old westerns and "The Three Stooges" with his grandson Daxton and sharing stories with his visitors. He always had a story to share and will be missed.

Bruce is survived by his wife Laura; children, Jason (Stephanie), Melissa (Wyatt) Swenson; grandchildren, Daxton and Autumn; his brothers and sisters Patrick, Duane (Cindy), Rita (David) Shaw, Linda (Roger) Brott, Lorna (Patrick) Anderson, Kenneth (Darlene), Galen, Shirley, Gary (Dena), Daniel (Lois), Debbie (John) Rohland, Calvin (Karen), Joan (Steve) Huppert, and Diane (Dennis) Gallion; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Darrel and Donny; and many aunts and uncles.

Bruce's family would like to thank all his healthcare teams that helped him through his battle with cancer. As well as all his family and friends that visited and helped brighten his day throughout his past years.

Prayer services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls with Rev. Timothy Welles officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family. Condolences may be made online at rhielfuneralhome.com.