Marguerite “Maggie” Mary (Zima) Bruner
Marguerite “Maggie” Mary (Zima) Bruner
December 8, 1924 ~October 8, 2016
Marguerite “Maggie” Bruner, 91, widow of John E. Bruner, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on Oct.8, 2016, at Brookdale Lakeway Healthcare Center, Austin, Texas. Born on Dec. 8, 1924 in Beloit, Wisconsin, she was the first of two daughters born to Frank and Clara (Kleinjan) Zima. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband and parents; sister, Muriel Jean Zima; son, John J. Good; stepdaughter, Mary Ann White; and son-in-law, Daniel W. Ames.
Surviving family members include daughter, Judy A. Good of Cedar Creek, Texas; stepdaughter, Betty Jean (Jim) Livingston of Lakeway, Texas; stepsons, Michael (Betsy) Bruner of Dallas, Texas, and John L. (Vickie) Bruner of Beloit, Wisconsin. Marguerite is also survived by four step-granddaughters, four step-grandsons and five step-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Gerry White, whose wife Mary Ann is deceased; and a host of long-time friends.
Marguerite attended Milwaukee County School of Nursing after graduating from Beloit Memorial High School in 1942 and later attended Beloit Vocational and Adult School. She was co-owner and manager of the Driftwood Motel in Beloit, Wisconsin from 1955-1964.
Love was lovelier the second time around on Oct. 19, 1966 when Maggie married John E. Bruner, the love of her life, who predeceased her on Sept. 11, 2007. She worked side by side with him for many years in their various businesses in Beloit, Wisconsin (Bruner Transfer & Storage and Bruner’s Cheese & Brau restaurant). Most important was Maggie's love for John. She was totally devoted to him throughout their life together.
As a kind, caring, patient and affectionate mother, she managed to find the right balance when her blended family immediately grew from two teenage children to six children ranging in age from five to 23. Each one benefited greatly as she set aside special alone time to nurture lasting and loving relationships as she did with her dear grandchildren as well. Her firm yet gentle ways guided the whole family in a positive direction. Cooking for the whole clan was a joy to her. There are many good cooks in the family as a result of her willingness to share her culinary style. Kitchen cleanup was definitely stressed as well!
Retirement years in Texas made it possible for John and Maggie to enjoy the continuous warm weather that was very conducive to their favorite hobbies of golf, swimming, and entertaining friends and family. There was always music in the house, singing and dancing as well. They spent many years relaxing together in the South Texas area — Brownsville, South Padre Island, Rancho Viejo — before heading to Central Texas to be closer to family. After living in Lakeway for a short time, they found the perfect golf course community in the Marble Falls area and moved to Meadowlakes in 1991. There Maggie formed true and lasting friendships as she had all her life. She was fun and light, humble and honest, warm and sincere, the type of friend that would call or write just to say hello or lend a sympathetic ear in times of need. Few things would garner a smile from Maggie as much as receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. And no one can forget her beautiful smile! She thoroughly enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast or lunch, gathering in the evenings for cocktails, exchanging books to read or playing golf.
Many thanks to Brookdale Lakeway staff for providing such a caring environment and high standard of care during the last four years of her life. Maggie’s witty nature, positivity and openness helped create meaningful connections to so many in that community leaving a lasting impression in all our hearts. A private family ceremony for committal of Maggie’s and John’s ashes will be held at a later date.
