Larry Allen Bruening

Larry Allen Bruening, age 84, of Hendley, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, of natural causes. He was born on November 14, 1939, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Bernard and Francis Bruening.

Larry was one of the first babies in his time to be kept alive using an incubator. His early days were spent in a dresser drawer until he was big enough for a crib, a memory that brought smiles and laughter for years to come

He graduated from Wilsonville High School in 1958, where he excelled in sports, particularly basketball, earning a spot in the state tournament his senior year. After high school, Larry served four years in the Navy, with deployments in California and the Philippines.

Following his service, Larry moved to Colorado and began a 49-year career as a machinist at CA Norgren. Known for his dedication, he became the company's longest-tenured employee, honored with a reserved parking spot with his name in his final years. He later worked at Machine Master for another eight years before retiring from the machinist profession after 57 years. Additionally, Larry then worked several years as a part-time cage cashier in Black Hawk, Colorado, where he enjoyed the casino environment and his love for coins.

Larry's passions included hunting, fishing, and bowling—a skill he honed in the Navy, leading his team in tournaments in Hong Kong and Japan. A lifelong Broncos fan, Larry held season tickets for 50 years. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading, and in his later years, read over 400 books after moving back to Hendley in 2020. Larry was a proud lifetime member of the VFW.

In 2023, after high winds destroyed his home, the Hendley community rallied around Larry. He was deeply grateful for the support of Jerry, Kyle Nick, and his family, who ensured his new home was set up and repairs completed.

Larry is survived by his daughters Cindy (Fred Mattivi) and Chrissy (Stacy Lefler), stepsons Dewayne (Jocelyn) and Rick Edwards, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brother Jim Bruening (Sharon), sister-in-law Dorothy Bruening, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Bruening, infant son Robert Allen “Bobby” Bruening, stepdaughter Chaunte Edwards, parents Bernard and Francis Bruening, and brothers Gary and Richard Bruening.

The family invites you to celebrate the life of Larry Bruening at an open house on Thursday October 10, 2024, at 2pm at the Community Center in Hendley, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: Hendley Cemetery, Jerry Smith, 101 2nd, P.O. Box 505, Hendley, NE 68946.