John Gordon Bruni, 85, entered spirit life beyond time on February 3, 2024. John was born on February 22, 1938 in Monroe, WI to Jessie Mae Bruni (Ward) and John Henry Bruni.
John enjoyed camping and hunting and was an Eagle Scout. John graduated from Monroe High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1955 while in high school and served as a Marine until 1958. John then transferred to the Army, including service in France beginning in 1963, and ending his service with a tour in Vietnam as an Army combat engineer in 1967 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
From 1957 to 1959 John attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, then transferred to the University of Illinois – Champagne where he graduated with a degree in architecture in 1962. John operated his architecture and construction business in Monroe, Wisconsin for over 30 years, completing over 400 commercial and industrial projects, as well as his signature style of earth architecture homes.
John loved the Wisconsin River, kayaking, camping, mountain climbing, and writing books. Mountains John climbed include Mt. Blanc (France); the Matterhorn (Switzerland); Tetons (Wyoming, USA); Long’s Peak (Colorado, USA); Granite Peak (Montana, USA); Mt. Everest (to 23,650 ft. elevation).
John is survived by his wife, Debra Jonas, his son Jonathan (Sue) Bruni and daughter Pamela (Steve) Grant; four grandchildren Lacey (Zach) Zimmermann, Olivia Bruni, Alex Grant and Michael Bruni; father-in-law Jerry (Karen) Jonas, brother-in-law Bradley (Shirley) Jonas and sister-in-law Jolene (Dennis) Wozniak; niece Laura Logan, nephews Kerry and Brian Drake, and others.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Mae and John Henry Bruni, his sister Maureen Drake and brother-in-law Gordy Drake.
A private celebration of life for John will be held at his home.
My condolences to Mr.Bruni’s family. I had the privilege of knowing him and working for him for a brief time in Monroe. He was a very interesting and thought provoking person. My very best to Jon and Pam and their families and to his ex wife Barb. May the memory of him lend comfort to those who knew him.