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Fred Bruning Obituary
Lura Bruning; brother, Jim. Survived by wife, Rose Bruning; daughter, Cindy Bruning; son, Phil Bruning and wife, Ginna; grandchildren, Brian and Stephanie Bruning, Jennifer Bruning, Allison Bruning, Mia Murante and Tim Bracht, John Murante and Melissa Ekberg, Phil Murante and Jen Adams; great-grandchildren, Molly and Max Bruning; sister, Ellen McCaig; cousin, Bill Bruning and wife, Lois; nieces and nephews; many friends.
Vigil Service Tues. 7 PM, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Services Wed. 1 PM St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum with full Military Honors by U.S. Marine Corps. Memorials to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church or Morgen Rachel Wees Scholarship Fund. Visitation Tues. 9 AM to 2 PM at the West Center Chapel and after 4 PM at the Church. HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 391-3900
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Bruning
Harold Flemmer
August 14, 2020
One of the last of the Good Old Boys. Never forgot when he was president of the union. Fred & Rose were the mainstays from old bar to the new store out west-- Years pass but memories never forgot
Jim and Dee Kain
September 4, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jan wehner
September 1, 2006
To the Bruning Family,
I do hope that you will continue Big Fred's. There have been 3 generations of my family who have dined there and my son and I both have worked there. May you all know that Gordie and I are thining of you.
Jan Madsen-Wehner
Vickie
August 28, 2006
A legenda lost to Omaha but never forgotten. I've been coming to Big Fred's since I was a little girl starting at the one on 108th & Q street in the basement of the strip mall. Now my little girls love to come there. I'm a little further West now but it's never too far to drive to get a Big Fred's pizza. It's the BEST in the world !! My thoughts and prayers are with Rose and the family forever and always and I hope we will be blessed to enjoy the Big Fred's pizza for years to come !!!
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RON STEIN
August 27, 2006
My deepest sympathies and sincerest prayers to Rose and the Bruning Family as so many share in the mourning of a most wonderful part of Omaha, everyone's "Big Fred". For almost 50 years, Fred and Rose welcomed my family and me into their world with big, friendly smiles, kind words, and definite genuine Mid-west BIG RED/BIG FRED ambiance. Fred will be sorely missed, but in no way will "Big Fred" be forgotten. I will always consider him "Mr. Omaha. Thank-you Fred.
Stacy Potter
August 26, 2006
Big Fred's was THE place to hang with family and friends and make memories. A home away from home.
Andy Tingwald and the entire Tingwald family
August 25, 2006
I had the pleasure of working at Big Fred's for 5 years, and at one point, three of my siblings worked for Fred and Rose, too. We continue to visit Big Fred's to this day. Big Fred's was a place I can honestly say I enjoyed working at. The atmosphere, the food, the fun, and most of all, working for a great man like Fred. He always treated me and my family with such respect. I know that I speak for the entire Tingwald family when I say, Fred will be dearly missed. We all loved Fred immensely, as he is a one of a kind that Omaha will never replace! We are thankful that you are in a better place. God Bless.
Dennis Minton
August 24, 2006
As a boy growing up in a family of ten, going up to Big Fred's was always a treat. Fred was in his seat and Rose was carrying the menus. Fred's friendly wave and smile to our family left a lasting impression on me and will truly be missed.
The first time my wife and I brought our 2 kids in about 6 years ago, Fred was there with a smile and he said how great it made him feel to see me bring in my children to his family restaurant. What a great man.
May God grant him peace and give Rose and the rest of your family strength in this time of grief.
Denise (Reuter) Huber
August 24, 2006
Rose and family, I have so many fond memories of Fred from when I lived in Omaha '71 through '85. Many afternoons and evenings were spent in laughter and good food and drink.....may he rest in peace!
August 24, 2006
I just saw that Mr. Bruning passed so sorry. I am also an old employee from way back in 1988 and my family would frequent Big Fred's I remember when my son was about 4 we were waiting for a table and Fred was at the end of the bar and my son wanted to go say hi so my family and I watched as he went down there and saw this little hand sticking up and Fred shook it, it's is still a cherished memory told by my family frequently. God Bless
The Julian's
Bill and Jacki Nechkash
August 23, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. What a loss for Omaha. Big Fred will be missed.
Bethany Slater
August 23, 2006
Dear Rose, Phil, Ginna, and Cindy, Our condolences to you & the family. Fred was a wonderful, funny, and generous man. Those that knew him will miss his stories, laughter, and the way he made you feel. He will be truly missed by all.
Bethany Slater (Rozic) and Ken Rozic
Ed Finn
August 23, 2006
Very sorry for your loss. Fred was full of life as I recall and he will be missed.
Lizz Bruning
Lizz Bruning
August 23, 2006
My Dearest Uncle Fred,
It's very hard to say goodbye to you in this life, as you've been a touchstone, a friend, a cheerleader, a clown, bigger than life and a love of my life.
I've always said you were the white James Earl Jones~ your powerful voice, laugh and presence left such an impression on all who met you, myself included.
You were the only person who could call me Dizzy Lizzy and my sister Shabby Abby and get away with it, because you said it purely with love.
You always were so happy to see me and made me feel like a million bucks.
You were my Father's best friend, soulmate, confidant and support system. I love you for that.
Your pizza is the best I ever had is is about 30 percent of my total body composition.
I know that your physical body had not supported you in what you wanted to do for some time now. I think you'll be able to do more for the family from Upstairs and it is your time to do so. I give you permission to go, with love and grace and cherish your memory in my heart, always.
Joe L Garrett
August 23, 2006
Dear Rose
We're so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was a wonderful person. Bill called us to let us know.Our condolences to you & the family.
Joe & Maryann Garrett
Gary Gottsch
August 23, 2006
There will never be another 'Big Fred'. My family has been dining there for over 30 years, and the trip to Big Fred's was never complete unless you saw Fred sitting at the far counter. Big Fred's will always be an Omaha original, and memories of Big Fred will be with me forever.
ED BABCOCK
August 23, 2006
PHIL, ROSE AND FAMILY, I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT FRED. WHAT A FANTASTIC GUY. EVEN THO I'VE BEEN GONE FROM OMAHA FOR AWHILE, WE STILL ALWAYS MANAGED TO HOLD 1 NIGHT ASIDE WHEN THERE FOR A BIG FRED'S PIZZA AND A SALAD. I'M SURE WE'LL STILL DO IT BUT IT WON'T BE NEARLY THE SAME. YOU'RE IN OUR THOUGHTS, HEARTS AND PRAYERS, ED AND KELLY BABCOCK, GLENDALE, AZ.
Roy and Lucy Neneman
August 23, 2006
Dear Brunning Family. So sorry to learn of Fred's Passing. He will be greatly missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary
August 23, 2006
A part of Omaha has been lost. God Bless you, you will be missed.Your legacy will live on forever.
Sebastian D'Agosta
August 23, 2006
Big Fred's is the only resaurant I have ever been to where you feel like you are eating at a relative's house with family every time. And that is Fred's way of treating both friends and strangers alike...like family. It was truly a blessing that I had the chance to meet Fred and I am thankful for that. Our prayers go out to the family that God will comfort you in this time of sorrow. I hold many fond memories of Fred and will cherish them the rest of my life. "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3"
Judy McNulty/Stephens
August 23, 2006
Our Deepest sympathies to the family. Our prayers are with you and the family.
The Stephens Girls
Judy, Rhonda, Lea, Lisa
Catherine Haas
August 23, 2006
Dear Phil, Ginna, Rose and Cindy, Our most sincere condolences to all of you. Fred was a very special person who touched many lives. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy. Catherine (Ford) and Michael J. Hass and Family
Harold Flemmer
August 23, 2006
Rose and family.One can easy see as to how many friends Fred had thru the years Fred had.This was easy to seen from the early days on 29th St.Never to be forgot.God Bless all.
David Hanson
August 23, 2006
A person can't say enough good about Fred.He knew virtually thousands and treated everybody great.It,indeed was my honor to be aquainted with him and know him as a friend.
Reverend David W. Hanson
retired Omaha Police Dept.
Kris Mullersman
August 22, 2006
Rose~
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. So many people have wonderful memories of Fred-not just because his name was on the sign outside the best pizza place in Omaha, but because he was truly a great man. You are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead.
Much love, Kris Mullersman
(your former manicurist)
Rhonda Dugger'Stephens
August 22, 2006
Fred,
We will all miss you and your legacy of THE BEST PIZZA IN OMAHA
We love you lots!
Our prayers are with all of the family.
Renate Kaspar
August 22, 2006
Dear Rose and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I too am a empolyee from long ago,with many great memories.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Art Storz jr. Storz Brewing Co.
August 22, 2006
Sorry to hear of Fred's Passing.
Peggy Siciliano
August 22, 2006
Rose and Family, Our deepest sympathies are with you at this time of great loss. Fred will be missed by many. Our family has many fond memories of going to Big Freds on Sunday for dinner and listening to him and Joe talk about the "old days". God Bless.
Peggy Siciliano and Girls (& families)
Kevin Busch
August 22, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
August 22, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Fred was a friend and brother officer on OPD of my late grandfather Robert Kaiser.
Robert Kaiser family
JACK Sigerson
August 22, 2006
May god Bless You & your family
Brent Quigley
August 22, 2006
I probably have eaten at Big Fred's four times a week since I was 2 years old. I have no doubt that I have consumed near 10,000 pizzas from Big Fred's. Every time I would come in, and Big Fred would be sitting there smiling at me. When I was little, I would say hello, and he would give my hair a friendly tussle. He was a very nice man and I will miss seeing him!!
Candi Milone (Sharon Derr's daughter)
August 22, 2006
My sisters and I have many memories of your family from all the years our mom worked for you. Your family is in my prayers and I pray God's comfort and peace to you all. Candi
Tom Ferraro
August 22, 2006
Aunt Rose, Phil and Cindy:
We were so sorry to hear Uncle Fred passed away. I have many great memories of him, going all the way back to when I was a young kid and would come into Big Fred's to help bus tables (and clean golf clubs!). My kids had only a few opportunities to get to know him, but that's all it took to realize what a special man he was. You are all in our prayers.
Charlie Venditte
August 22, 2006
Rose & Phil,
Fred meant very much to me and my family. I have many great memories with Fred and he will always be a part of our police family.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie Venditte
Brenda Stanek
August 22, 2006
I can remember going to Big Freds when i was a kid and had met 'Big Fred' once. He was a kind man and will be missed greatly in the city of Omaha. My heart goes out to your family.
Marge Thielen
August 22, 2006
The Bruning Family So sorry for your loss.
Jim Collin
August 22, 2006
My deepest sympathy. Knowing Fred for 60 years was a honor. Wonderful man.
Mike Stover
August 22, 2006
Rose, Phil, Cindy: I have many memories of Fred and all of you. I have seen Big Fred's grow through the years and my family(especially my sister Sue Von Seggern)Big Fred's is a family weekly tradition. Every time I return to Omaha, Big Fred's is the first place I visit. I will miss Fred and offer my sympathies to all of you.
Dick Sladovnik
August 21, 2006
Rose
My deepest sympathy at your loss. I still remember when Big Fred's opened and our Boys Town crowd came over frequently. I share your sorrow. This is a huge void in our lives.
jolene hinkle
August 21, 2006
the hinkle family wants to send our prayers to u and your family sorry your lost with big fred and he will be deeply missd
Dave Gibbs
August 21, 2006
Rose & Family;
I was very saddened when my son called me with the news of Fred being called home. I will always remember fondly of my employment with your family's business back in 1969 & 1970. I will best remember the after hours parties with the USC Baseball team during CWS week. May God keep you in His divine lite.
Gene (Dixie) & Charlotte (Charlie) Dixon
August 21, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Lee and Barb Hunefeld
August 21, 2006
Big Freds and Fred have been a part of our life for many years. It's going to seem strange not to see him at the end of the bar when we walk in. Our deepest sympathies go out to Rose and the family.
Marianne Brackett
August 21, 2006
Dear Family,
I never knew Big Fred by I feel I do because of my fiancee', Paul Wehner, who lives in Omaha. The first time I visited in Omaha he took me to get my first pizza. Paul had talked about Big Fred and I couldn't wait to get to go to his restaurant. I was hoping someday to get to meet this great man. I'll become a permanant resident of Omaha in Sept. when I marry Paul and I'm looking so forward to being able to go to Big Fred's once in a while to have one of his pizza's. I will be offering up a mass here in my home town of Watford City, ND for Fred and I want you to know that I feel for your family. I lost my Mom and Dad a few years ago and I know how hard it is. God Bless you and God be with you at this sad time.
Sincerely Marianne Brackett
Dennis Caniglia
August 21, 2006
Big Fred was a old friend for many years. I always stopped by "Big Freds" everytime I got back to Omaha to say hello, and enjoy the great food. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Louis Finocchiaro
August 21, 2006
Rose, Phil and Cindy. I am deeply sorry that I cannot come in to Omaha to express my sorrow in person. Your familia are in our prayers...Love Always
Finocchiaro's
Paul Wehner
August 21, 2006
Dear Rose, Phil and Cindy and Families:
Our deepest sympathy on your recent loss. Many, many years of wonderful memories will always remain. You will be in our prayers. Gods peace be with you.
With Love in Christ,
Paul Wehner Family
Grant, Gordon and Meradith
Roger Brewer
August 21, 2006
To the Bruning family:
We are so sorry to hear about Big Fred's passing. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
From the time I first met Big Fred 18+ years ago until the last time I had the pleasure of visiting with him at the bar, he always treated me with kindness and respect. And I had a great deal of respect for him, as a businessman, but most of all, as the genuine person he was. Big Fred was one of a kind and will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Roger Brewer, Lisa and Ryan
Patrick Peirce Sr. (Ruberti)
August 21, 2006
My first Pizza,and my fondest memories, It started in the 60s. I used to come in to visit Rose and Fred with my Grandpa Lou. My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Family. He will be remembered forever.Thanks "Big Fred"
Thomas Ross
August 21, 2006
Big Fred's Family. Whenever I visited family and friends in Omaha it was always a special treat to go to Big Freds for great pizza and beverages. Part of the treat was to see Fred at the end of the bar watching people come and go. He had a talent for remembering names and he always knew I was "Tom from Vancouver".
He will be missed by scores of customers and friends. Condolences.
Tom Ross
Kenda Marler
August 21, 2006
Brunning Family
I am very sorry for your loss.
With Deepest Sympathy
The Marlers
Jill Bena
August 21, 2006
John, Mia and Family -
I am truly sorry for your loss but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Begley
August 21, 2006
Phil and the Bruning family,
We would like to offer our condolences and let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobby and Amy Begley
Melanie Petz
August 21, 2006
Dear Phil and Cindy,
I am so sorry to hear that "Big Fred" has passed away. God bless you and your family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Melanie Petz (Heather Wetzel's mom)
Marilou Hillabrand
August 21, 2006
Rose & Family,
"Big Fred" will be missed by many, he touched so many lives. Our family Birthdays will not be the same without a "best wishes" from Fred, will will continue to enjoy the restaurant. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Smith
August 21, 2006
Great times and pizza were always a constant. Fred you will be missed, thanks for all the good times my family has had with you.
Rev. Jim Corson
August 21, 2006
Big Fred was a part of my life for almost 30 years, first as a boss, later as a customer, a fellow businessman, and always as a friend. I remember many years ago, Fred taught me that we should always make the most of, and relish, the opportunities we are given. And looking back, I am truly thankful for the oportunity to have known Big Fred. May God grant peace and comfort to his family and his many friends. You are in my prayers.
Charlie Cramer
August 21, 2006
Big Fred was truly a wonderful gentleman and the Pizza King in Omaha! Our family & friends celebrated many reunions, holidays, and birthdays @ the Pizza Garden. Fred you will be missed. God bless you & your family.
Joel Stonebraker
August 21, 2006
My sincere sympathy to the family of "Big Fred".
My family has been patrons since the 60's and he even sponsored my little league baseball team in 1969.
Foster Burchard
August 21, 2006
Fred left many good old friends on the Omaha Police Department who have many good memories of him. We send our condolences to Fred's family. We will miss him.
The Fuzz That Wuzz.
( Retired Police Officers)
Gale Nielsen
August 21, 2006
Was sorry to learn of the passing of "Big Fred". He was a lot of fun & definitley lived life to the fullest. My condolences to Cindy and Shari and the rest of the Bruning & McCaig families.
Chic mancuso
August 21, 2006
Fred was a great friend and neighbor growing up. We had a lot of fun together playing basketball and other sports at Comenius school play ground.
Carl Jennings
August 21, 2006
Bruning family and friends,
Sorry to hear of Freds passing.
Many a good time had by all, great
pizza. Lots of Peony Park employee
fun there after a long summer day.
My best to all,God Bless.
Carl Jennings
Peony Park
peggy brisch
August 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to you for the loss of your beloved "Big Fred". I am just a long time customer who will miss seeing "Big Fred" sitting down at the end of the bar and who made everyone feel welcome by his mere presence. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Joe & Charlotte Hyland
August 21, 2006
Sorry, for your lose, our prayers will be with you. We have enjoyed for resturant for years and will for years to come, may God bless you all.
Alicia Wilson
August 20, 2006
Ali,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Mitch and Linda Bruning
August 20, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Joe Miloni
August 20, 2006
Rose and family,
Sorry I can't be with you at this time, Our prayers are with you and your family.
Joe and Fran Miloni
Amy Bracht
August 20, 2006
Big Fred was one-of-a-kind and will be missed by all those who knew him. God bless you and all your family.
Jean Chalupsky
August 20, 2006
Sincere Sympathy to the Bruning family. Fred was a legend and will be remembered by all who loved his smile, laughter and Pizza. He will be missed.
The Brachts
August 20, 2006
We are thinking about you at this difficult time.
Jenny Kuhl
August 20, 2006
Mia and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brian Potter
August 20, 2006
I sure am going to miss the guy that used to sign my pay check. Lots of great memories before, during, and after my employment at Big Fred's in the early 1980s.
Eric Johnson
August 20, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry & Joanne Potter
August 20, 2006
Many good times to be remembered at Big Freds with many generations.Our sympathy and prayers to Rose and family
Karen Loftis
August 20, 2006
Big Fred left an incredible legacy in the form of his family. Bless you all.
Michelle Bizzarri
August 20, 2006
Mrs. B, Phil & Cindy,
I can't begin to tell you how much I know he will be missed. But I do know the good times we all had in the past 38 years I was so privledged to have with him. Your family was my second family growing up (my parents told me they were going to sell my bed as I was always at your home.
That is what I will remember, and I know I will have many more as we continue to carry on with his memory.
I love you all so very much.
Bizz
Jennifer Bradley
August 20, 2006
Cindy,
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tony Randone
August 20, 2006
My deepest sympathies in your time of need. I am very sorry for your loss
Stacy Bruning
August 20, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Amy Baker
August 20, 2006
To Bruning Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I have many fond memories of him. I went to Big Freds ever since I can remember with my family. He will be dearly missed. again I am so sorry for your loss.
Judith Cascio
August 20, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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