Fred G. Bruning

Frederick George Bruning, 85, passed away on December 5, 2023, at SwedishAmerican Hospital. He was born on January 8, 1938, in Solen, North Dakota, the son of Carl and Nettie Bruning. Fred married his Concordia College (Moorhead) sweetheart, Lois Norem in Spicer, Minnesota on June 3, 1962.

Fred taught English at Winnebago High School for over forty years, which was only one of the many legacies he generously bestowed on a family of teachers. He was a faithful and devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where the whole family was active, especially in youth ministry and the Kingdom Weekend community. A reluctant musician himself, he served for decades in many vital leadership roles with The Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford, also touring internationally with them.

Encountering Fred in any of these venues was often a life-changing experience. He had a unique, innovative approach to motivating young people and possessed a gift for helping others identify and develop their own gifts more fully. He quietly cherished appreciation from his former students, especially some recent feedback, “Mr. Bruning challenged me and helped me find my wings, not only as a writer, but as a human being.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lois; his sons, Rev. Todd (Rev. Jamie) Bruning of Garland, TX and Brent (Kirsten) Lund Bruning of Berlin, Germany; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Nikhil Bruning, and Leo and Finn Lund Bruning; his great-niece, Nele, his great-grandson, Saben; and his brother, Lloyd Bruning.

A visitation will be held from 4:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.