William "Mike" Bruener

William Michael Bruener passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 81 years old. He was born on October 8, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, to Theodore Bernard Bruener II and Martha (Thomas) Bruener. Mike was raised in Aberdeen, Washington, and attended Weatherwax High School and St. Martin's College in Olympia, WA. During school, he enjoyed playing basketball in both high school and college. He was even offered an opportunity to play in the American Basketball League (ABL) in Atlanta but declined and decided to finish college and pursue his career. After completing school, he landed his first job as an English teacher at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington in 1965, where he also coached basketball. He went on to earn his superintendent credentials in graduate school at Portland State University in 1980, leading to assistant and lead principal roles in the Vancouver School District and as associate superintendent before he retired in 1995. He married his first wife, Lonna Bruener, in Mountain View, California in 1966. They had two daughters. Mike was actively involved in the Vancouver community, enjoying racquetball at the beloved Oxford Athletic Club, coaching his daughters in youth basketball, and supporting the St. Joseph's parish and school by volunteering as the co-chair of the famed Vancouver Sausage Fest. Mike also had a passion for cars, taking great pride in their care and ownership. A proud fan of the UW Huskies, he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. Some of his most memorable trips were with his dear friend, John Ottoson, when they traveled to Australia, the Panama Canal, and Europe, cementing a life-long friendship. He met his second wife, Diana Delich-Bruener, in 1991 and they married in 2008. Mike and Diana had a special love for the city of Vancouver, deeply involved in local events and causes. His love for the water led to memorable boating trips, and he and Diana also took many vacations together, including the Oregon Coast, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York City. His enthusiasm for life and the community he loved will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Mike is survived by his wife, Diana, her son Drake Delich and wife Jen Delich, daughters Meg Bruener Hodson and Amy Bruener Westom, seven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and several close friends, some like family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Martha, and his brothers, Frederick (Fred) Bruener and Theodore (Ted) Bruener. On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1 PM, a private burial will be held at Mother Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Vancouver, Washington, followed by a reception at St. James Church, 2 PM. Arrangements are being made by Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donating to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the name of William Michael Bruener. https://pushpay.com/g/holyredeemervancouver.

William "Mike" Bruener

October 8, 1943 - October 13, 2024