Laurel Bruckner

Laurel Bruckner, age 87, died Friday, September 11, 2020, at her home in Columbus.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Fri day, October 9, 2020 , at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus. Visitation is from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2020 , at the church. Interment is 9:00 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2020 , in the Omaha National Cemetery.

Laurel Emily Kohlwey was born to Alvin and Ila Kohlwey on February 8, 1933 in Oldham, South Dakota on the family farm. Years later, her sister Sharon was born. Together, this family lived through The Great Depression and World War II.

On April 19, 1952 Laurel married Robert Wilde. The two had five children together over the span of six years: Ranae, Peggy, Karen, Robert, and Brett. Laurel worked hard to raise the five kids while Robert was working, driving across the country. After the youngest, Brett, was born, Laurel went to work at Louie's Restaurant in Columbus. Following Louie's, Laurel also worked at Jack and Jill's Grocery store, SunMart and eventually, Walmart. Laurel was re-married on January 18, 1980 to Lee Bruckner. Through this marriage, Laurel gained two step-daughters, Annette and Sharon. The two were married for twenty-two years until Lee passed in 2002.

Laurel knew how to work and how to have fun. She gained a family in Nebraska of beloved coworkers, bosses, and patrons. She liked to socialize by playing cards with friends, going on casino trips, and attending horse races. Friends and family will remember her fun-loving spirit and hard-working attitude. She nicknamed herself the "Tough Dutchman" a motto she lived by till the very end.

We would like to thank Laurel's doctors, nurses, the staff at Brookstone, Emerald Care Center, the Hospice program in Columbus, Reverend Cindy Stewart, First United Methodist Church, Bob's Pharmacy, the Columbus Community Senior Center, Walmart, Tami Ligenza, Gary Puckett and all her friends who loved and supported her since her move to Columbus.

Laurel died comfortably in her own home and is survived by; Ranae (Jim) Murphy, Peggy King, Karen (Scott) Goddin, Robert (Eleanor) Wilde, Brett Wilde, Annette (Larry) Bomberger, Sharon Tipton, seventeen grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.