Steven Ernest Bruning, 72, passed away Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, Kansas after a brief, courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born December 14, 1942 to Ernest P. & Hazel L. (Arment) Bruning in Phillipsburg. Steve attended country schools and graduated with the Alma, Nebraska High School class of 1960. He married Jeanie Kline on August 12, 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Phillipsburg. They were blessed with two daughters, Dawnita Kaye and Stephanie Anne.
Steve grew up on the family farm north of Phillipsburg. Farming was always a part of Steve's life and each year he looked forward to harvest time with his brother, Floy.
In April, 1963, Steve started his career at the Phillipsburg refinery. Twenty-one years later, he became the Plant Manager. The first fifteen years were spent in Phillipsburg as Fire Chief with Maintenance First Class status. He was transferred to Scottsbluff, NE in February, 1979, as Maintenance Supervisor. That refinery location closed in 1982 and Steve transferred to Coffeyville, KS as Maintenance Coordinator & Planner. On January 1, 1983, he was named Manager of the Lamont, OK natural gas plant and remained there until it was sold to Union Texas Petroleum. Steve returned to the Phillipsburg refinery and served as the Plant Manager until its final closing. He then returned to Coffeyville where he finished out his career, retiring in June of 2006 after 43 years of loyal, dedicated service.
Steve took a lot of pride in his community and was a long-time member of the Phillipsburg Rodeo Association Board, serving as Secretary for many years. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Prairie Horizon Ethanol Plant.
In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, woodworking, gardening, flowers, and his birds. Steve was a strong man of faith and an active member of the Assembly of God Church in Phillipsburg. Steve & Jean were blessed to be able to travel to the Holy Lands twice, once in 2012 and again in 2014 when Steve was baptized in the River Jordan. He was also blessed to be involved in mission trips to Mexico.
He was a devoted family man who enjoyed attending school activities and sporting events supporting his daughters and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His parents, Ernest & Hazel, and an infant sister, Betty Jane, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Jean, of the home; two daughters, Dawnita Reese & husband, Dave, of Phillipsburg, and Stephanie Penttila & husband, Robbie, of The Woodlands, TX; three brothers: Jim Bruning of Oden, TX, Theron Bruning & wife, Carla, of Glade, KS, and Floy Bruning & wife, Karen, of Phillipsburg; his sister, Darlene Elder & husband, Randy, also of Phillipsburg; five grandsons and currently five great-grandchildren, with another one on the way; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Steve will long be remembered as a spiritual

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the Assembly of God Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Dave Pugh officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Monday & Tuesday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Church or Hospice Services.