Kenneth “Ken” Bruner passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was born on June 19, 1947, in the town of Ogema, located in the “Northwoods” of Wisconsin to William “Bill” and Joyce (Peterson) Bruner.

Ken spent his early childhood growing up on a dairy farm. He graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 1971 with a master’s degree in statistics. In February 1970 Ken married Kathy Huiras and together had two children, Angela and John.

On February 22, 1989, Ken married the love of his life Suzanne “Sue” Montalto (Manschot). Together they spent their life in Port Washington and enjoyed 33 years with one another.

Ken worked many years at Portal Industries, then transitioned to sales at Verlo Mattresses while dabbling in real estate at Schmit Realty. He loved spending time with his family, traveling throughout the country and going on cruises with Sue. Ken enjoyed summers at Big Cedar Lake, involvement with Fish Day, the Historical Society and Interfaith Caregivers.

Ken had a great sense of humor, enjoyed trivia, family history and was a scrabble “champion”. He was a kind and generous person, always ready to lend a hand whenever he could. Ken cherished regaling his family and friends with tales of his lumberjack days, hunting and other slightly fantastic and amusing stories. He will be missed!

Ken is survived by his children Angela (Jeff Ready) Bruner, John (Robin) Bruner; step-children John (Annie) Groth, Steve Groth, Katie (Tom) Beilfuss; grandchildren Jesse, Morgan and Molly Bruner, Kari (Vince) Anewenter, John (Julieann Pizzaro) Manschot, Joshua (Sheena) Beilfuss, Lindsey (Jake) Tess, Jennifer (Carrell) Jackson and Melissa (Thad) Smith; 9 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Charlie (Jean) Bruner, sister-in-law Jackie Dietzler and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Joyce, wife Sue and grandsons Aaron and Mathew Groth.

A Memorial gathering will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074 from 12:00-2:00pm. Ken will be laid to rest next to Sue at St. Mary’s Cemetery following the gathering at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Interfaith Caregivers of Ozaukee County www.interfaithozaukee.org/donate