Jeffrey Allen Bruning

MARQUETTE, MI - Musician and educator Jeffrey Allen Bruning was a quiet and steady influence in the lives of the hundreds of people he made music for and with over his nearly 40-year career as an accompanist, mentor, and teacher of voice and piano. During his lifetime, he earned a reputation for outstanding musicianship and professionalism, an elegant and witty sense of humor, perfectly timed eye rolls, and unexpected kindness that seemed to come when you needed it the most. Students and colleagues said his dedication, consistency, thoughtfulness, rare yet poignant compliments, sarcasm, and the feeling that he always had your back are a few of the things they will miss most about him.
Jeffrey died at the age of 60 Tuesday, August 9, ending a recent struggle with cancer.
Prior to his diagnosis, Jeff was busily working as the accompanist for the Marquette Choral Society, Northern Michigan University Arts Chorale and University Choir, and Marquette Senior High School choral program. He was actively involved with the Forest Roberts Theater, Superior Arts Youth Theater, and Lake Superior Theater. He was an organist for United Presbyterian Church of Ishpeming. He prepared choirs for performance with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theater, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He played organ and piano for more than a decade at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette, the position that brought him to Marquette. Jeff taught private piano and voice lessons from his home studio in Marquette, and he became a beloved part of the musical community. He gave back by donating his talents to community events, and giving free lessons to students who couldn't afford to pay.
Jeff was born in Sault Ste. Marie on April 25, 1962, and grew up in Cedarville. Naturally, he was an accomplished musician during his time at Les Cheneaux Community Schools, but also played community youth hockey, and junior varsity basketball for a bit before turning his attention completely toward music and academics. He was inducted into the National Honor Society. He earned the highest rankings performing on tenor saxophone at Michigan School Band and Orchestra Solo and Ensemble festivals. He was one of 11 Upper Peninsula students selected to play with the United States Navy Band in 1976, and he also earned a spot on the America's Youth in Concert tour by placing second at the All-Upper Peninsula Honors Band competition. The tour allowed Jeff to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and overseas in London, Paris, Geneva, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Jeff attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for at least two summers before his graduation from Cedarville High School in 1980.
Piano became Jeff's signature instrument, but he was equally proficient at making the pipe organs sing at St. Peter and United Presbyterian. He earned a master's degree in piano performance from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. In college, he was a two-time winner of a Chopin recital competition; and while at Central he also met his husband, Richard Omlor, at a small dinner party in a converted two-bedroom garage apartment. "When I walked in, he was seated down on the floor eating dinner, and I said, that's him," Rick said. From that moment on, they spent the next 39 years together.
Jeff's first job was helping his family manage Bruning's Standard Station in Hessel, and later he worked at the Merry Mouse/Café le Chat in Grosse Pointe Farms. He worked a decade as an accompanist and assistant director for a school choral program in Grosse Pointe before moving to Marquette.
Throughout his life, Jeff maintained a love and enjoyment of his family and friends, spending time in the garden at home, and always a passion and deep appreciation for great music. His enjoyment of nature and gardening began with his life in the Les Cheneaux Islands area where he grew up. He loved canoeing and hiking in the woods. His musical talents brightened family holiday gatherings with his playing, while his family would sing along. Jeff's siblings have fond memories of spending time with him on holidays and summer breaks in Les Cheneaux- dock time, walks, swimming, camping, and boating.
Jeff is survived by his husband, Richard Omlor, of Marquette; siblings and their spouses, Denise "Kim" Horn of Rogers City, Pamela and Tim Swope of Albion, Gretchen and George Chapel of Grosse Pointe Woods, and Richard Bruning and Amy Polk of Cedarville; several nieces and nephews and their families, Jami and Kaiti Horn, David and Dennis Malkowski, Thomas and Luke Swope, Jon Chapel, and Rita O'Farrell; as well as several important friends, including Mary Hoback, Erin Colwitz, Sheila Grazulis, Byron Beerbower, Jan Brodersen, and Peggy Frazier. He is also survived by his aunts, Pat Smith and Bette Smith, and uncles, Richard B. and Wayne Smith.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Lesa Hester, his father, Ronald Bruning, and his mother, Rita Bruning.
To further his legacy of bringing music education to all students regardless of economic status, a memorial fund in honor of Jeff is being established for Marquette High School music students. Memorial donations may be sent to: Marquette Area Public Schools Education Foundation, P.O. Box 714, Marquette, MI 49855. Please write in the memo: Jeffrey A. Bruning Scholarship Fund.
Alternatively, memorial donations could be made to the Les Cheneaux Education and Cultural Enrichment Fund at the Community Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Cedarville, MI 49719.
A gathering to remember Jeff will take place in Marquette Friday, August 26, beginning at 4:30 pm, at the Lake Superior Theatre, 270 North Lakeshore Boulevard, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.