Mervin Eugene Bruner, 79

Mervin Eugene Bruner “went to be with the Lord” Tuesday, July 19, 2011. He died peacefully at home. 

He was born Oct. 24, 1931, to Ivan and Hazel Bruner in Cut Bank.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Norita.

Merv moved to Kalispell in 1947, and joined the Navy in May of 1949. 

He went to work for the railroad in August of 1952, and retired in April of 1992. Trains, planes, automobiles and woodworking were a passion for Merv. He got his pilot's license in 1954, and spent 30 years flying with his good friend Larry Stockhill and Stockhill Aviation. Merv flew his bride-to-be, Donna Mae Freeman, to Couer d’Alene, Idaho, on May 6, 1972, to be married. 

Merv and Donna made their home in Whitefish and spent 16 years going to Arizona in the winter months.

Merv is survived by his wife, Donna; and eight children, Diane Mundell, Gwena Brophy and husband John, Larry Bruner and wife Laura, Warren Gregg and wife Julie, Kim Porter and husband Russ, Karen Koday and husband Mark, Chuck Freeman and wife Heidi, Michael Freeman and wife Heidi, and special "daughter," Beth Michaud. He had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who adored him. Merv had many friends who were an important part of his life.

He will be missed by all the lives he impacted on earth but we have peace “knowing he is taking deep breaths and smiling down on us from his mansion in heaven.” 

His memorial service is at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Easthaven Baptist Church in Kalispell. 

The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Kalispell or Easthaven Baptist Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences and view Mervin’s tribute wall.