Gerald "Jerry" Bruner

Gerald Joe Bruner

‘Jerry’

March 20, 1934

October 8, 2021

Born to John Marian Bruner and Mary Helen Bruner in Naylor, Missouri.  Jerry grew up in Indiana.  As a young man Jerry served in the 11th Airborne Division as a cook and a paratrooper. Jerry came to Gainesville, Florida in 1983.  He retired from the University of Florida Police Department and later worked with the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Jerry was a talented woodworker and maker of Native American flutes.  Over the years he enjoyed racquetball, tennis, golf, biking, camping, spending time with family and being outdoors.  He enjoyed working with children and spent many hours volunteering at Stephen Foster Elementary.   He also had a great love for animals and assisted with pet rescue and Operation Catnip TNR.

His outgoing personality and great sense of humor always brought a smile to those around him and often kept people laughing.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who was loved by many.  He is survived by his wife Debi of 32 years.

Jerry will be buried at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.  An outdoor celebration of life will be held at their home October 16 from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to one of the following:

Operation Catnip

Alachua County Humane Society

Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch

Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery

Community Hospice