Barbara Bruner

Barbara S. Bruner, 69, of Atlantic, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017, at her home.

Barbara Sue was born on May 27, 1948, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of John Milton and Evangeline Ermine (Wheatley) Bruner. Throughout her life, she loved to reminisce about riding in the gravel truck with her dad and spending time at her grandparent’s farm in Anita. From an early age she and her sister, Karla developed a close bond; they weren’t just sisters, also best friends. Barb graduated from Anita High School in 1967. Following graduation, she moved to Des Moines to live with her sister and began working at Travelers Insurance. Nights of scooping the loop with her cousin, Judy Lett, led her to meeting and later marrying, Terry Johnston. The couple was blessed with three children, Scot, Teri and Michaelle. After the birth of her children she was a stay at home mom until they entered school when she went to work for Principal.

In later years, she moved back to Atlantic to care for her mother. Barb was always a hard worker and had been employed at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club, greeter at Wal Mart, and custodian at the Adair Rest Area. During this time, she also enjoyed many trips to the casino with her mom and sister.

Barb loved movies, sending cards for all occasions, listening to the radio and a good nap. She was an animal lover, rescuing a dog whom she named Hobo, who was her dear companion for over 10 years. After Hobo’s passing she enjoyed the company of Diesel, Millie May and Ollie. Barb spent every possible opportunity surrounded by her family. Her children will remember the extravagant birthday parties she would throw for them and the delicious meals she prepared; always going over the top for the holidays. Barb was always the life of the party, sharing her cheerful and joyful spirit with all. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Even through her times of struggle, she found it important to bring smiles and happiness to others.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Teri (Monte) Cohenour of Van Meter, Michaelle (Jon Steckelberg) Johnston; Scot (Chong Son) Johnston of Texas; grandchildren; Candace Black, Tyler (Emina) Johnston, Trever (Kayla) Jack, Travis (Dez) Steckelberg, Sarah (Russell Andersen) Steckelberg, Deven Lovell, Richie Cohenour, Logan Hobbs, Justin Hobbs and Drew Steckelberg; 7 great-grandchildren; her beloved dogs, Diesel, Millie Maye and Ollie; and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Evangeline Bruner; beloved sister and best friend, Karla Bruner; and dog, Hobo.

Services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Roland Funeral Home, with Pastor Melodee Carstens of the United Methodist Church in Adair officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Barb's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Barbara S. Bruner
BORN
May 27, 1948 - Atlantic, Iowa

DIED
October 21, 2017 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
69 Years, 4 Months, 29 Days

FUNERAL SERVICE
6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Roland Funeral Home - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Joel Thorson
Lifehouse Community Church - Urbandale, Iowa

RECORDED MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Amazing Grace” by the Celtic Woman
“The Old Rugged Cross” by Anne Murray
“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Candace Black
Tyler Johnston
Trever Jack
Travis Steckelberg
Sarah Steckelberg
Deven Lovell
Richie Cohenour
Logan Hobbs
Justin Hobbs
Drew Steckelberg
Dane Andersen

My Mother, My Friend
Whenever I need someone to talk to,
To laugh with, to trust in and love,
I can always turn to you ~
My mother, My friend.