Frederick William Bruner, 96, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community servant, passed away peacefully in Midland, Michigan on May 17, 2026.
Fred was born on November 7, 1929, to the late William Seth and Anna Marie (Foral) Bruner in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He was known for his gentle manner, deep integrity, and lifelong commitment to helping others.
Fred graduated from Ponca City High School in 1947 before attending Northwestern University Dental School. After graduation, he served for two years as a dental surgeon in the United States Air Force. He then entered a fellowship program in children’s dentistry at the University of Michigan Dental School in Ann Arbor, MI.
For most of his professional career, Fred served as Director of the Dental Clinic at the Mott Children’s Health Center (MCHC) in Flint, Michigan. During Flint’s postwar population boom, the need for children’s medical and dental services increased dramatically. At the time, dental disease among children was widespread, leading the Mott Foundation to fund a dedicated dental clinic.
Under Fred’s leadership, the clinic helped pioneer a broader preventive approach to children’s dental care including fluoride programs, oral hygiene education, and regular dental health screenings. The priorities Fred established during his tenure continue today via a modern clinic dedicated to improving the dental health of children in need through prevention, education, research, training, and advocacy.
In 1952, Fred met his first wife, Helen Ruth Butler, on a blind date. They built a life founded in love, hard work, and devotion to family. Fred and Helen raised two sons who became the great joys of his life. Fred was deeply involved in his sons’ lives as they grew up. He made sure they learned the value of hard work, honesty and integrity. The family often made summer trips to Fred’s boyhood home in Oklahoma, where they spent many happy days camping, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. He was also a devoted grandfather who created what his grandsons described as a “magical place” at his Michigan home where they spent summer holidays fishing, exploring the outdoors, and visiting historical sites.
Fred’s first wife, Helen, sadly passed away in January 1996. After Helen’s passing, Fred was reacquainted with high school classmate, Margaret (Bodman) LaRue, at a Ponca City High School class reunion. They married in July 1996 and shared 25 happy years together until Margaret passed away in 2020. Fred brought great joy to Margaret and her family, including five children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Fred is survived by his sons, Leon Bruner and his wife Jacqueline, and Terry Bruner; his grandsons, Jacob Bruner and Frederick Bruner; and Frederick’s wife, Emma. He is also survived by his extended family through his late wife Margaret, including her children David (Jody), Dennis (Pam), John (Joanie), Anne West, and Tricia Prince (Steve), along with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fred’s legacy lives on in the countless children whose lives were improved through his work, and in the family who cherished his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
A Graveside Service will be held on June 23, 2026 at 10:30AM at Resthaven Memorial Park, 1501 E Hubbard Rd., Ponca City, OK 74604.