-
July 30, 2025The Celebrant will be Fr. Merlin Schrad. Mass servers will be Joe Pudenz and Abrianna Pudenz. Music will be by Nancy Lemker and the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Choir. Lectors will be Jill Pudenz and Laura Gray. Gift bearers will be his grandchildren, Gus, Hank, Landan, Linkin, Amelia, and Avah. Casket bearers will be Jim Berger, Kevin Hospelhorn, Jeff Ludwig, Dan Nieland, Tim Pudenz, Kevin Stork, and Lynn Wuebker. Burial will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Breda American Legion.
A visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. The casket will be moved to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Monday morning where additional visitation will be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Wayne’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Wayne, the son of Norbert and Florence (Masching) Bruening, was born on September 12, 1955, in Carroll, Iowa. He grew up near Mt. Carmel and graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1973. He served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Italy, an experience he fondly remembered throughout his life.
On April 27, 1979, he married the love of his life, Jane Berger, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Carroll. Together they made their home near Mt. Carmel, where they raised three children.
Wayne was a farmer with a deep respect for the land and the value of hard work. In addition to farming, he worked at the Carroll Sale Barn, Garst Seed Company, Quant’s Auto Salvage, and most recently as a maintenance mechanic at St. Anthony Regional Hospital. No matter the job, Wayne took pride in doing things right. He formed lasting connections everywhere he worked, earning the respect and friendship of those around him.
He was the definition of salt of the earth—hardworking, humble, and steady. He didn’t seek attention, but those who knew him often said he’d give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and was known for his craftsmanship in refinishing guns. But more than anything, he liked being a grandpa. He cherished every moment they shared—teaching, teasing, and quietly cheering them on.
He is survived by his children: Ryan (Sarah) Bruening of Carroll, and their children Landan, Linkin, Amelia, and Avah; Chelsea Bruening of Denver, CO; and daughter-in-law Alexandra Bruening of Omaha, NE, and her sons Gus and Hank. He is also survived by his in-laws Marian and Ronald Berger of Carroll and nieces Jill (Chris) Pudenz and Laura (Brandon) Gray, and many extended relatives and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane; his son, Ross; his parents, Florence and Norbert Bruening; his brother, Neal Bruening; and his parents-in-law, Joe and Viola (Lange) Berger.