Milan Karl Bruner, 76, long-time Montesano resident and former owner of Precision Pipe Fabricators in Junction City, died Friday, May 17, 2024 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Milan was born on February 25, 1948 in Elma, Washington to Robert W. and Charlotte J. (Carr) Bruner. Their family lived in McCleary, Washington and moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon when Milan was 8 years of age. They, returned to Washington, moving to Lake Quinault in 1963.

Milan graduated from Lake Quinault High School in 1966, where he was proudly the Student Body President and an All-League Football Player, while also being voted Most Athletic and the Class Heartthrob. He then attended Grays Harbor Community College for a short time, before transferring to Everett Jr. College. During his time in Everett he played Semi-Pro Football for the Everett Wildcats, for one season. He returned to Neilton to start a family, marrying Jacqueline J, Farmer on April 28, 1967. In 1972, Milan and Jackie moved their young family to Aberdeen for a year, before relocating to the family’s current home in Montesano, where Jackie still resides.

Milan went to work in the forest thinning trees, before starting an apprenticeship with Rognlin’s Construction company. He eventually became a Journeyman Welder, also working for Peter Kiewit & Sons, and Sterns & Rogers, during the construction of the Satsop Nuclear Power Plant. Milan was known far and wide as an extremely skilled welder, often being referred to as a “machine” with a welding rod.

In 1984, Milan went to work for himself, starting Precision Pipe Fabricators, with business partner, Steve Wyckoff. He retired in January of this year, after dedicating approximately 56 years to the piping and fabrication trade. Milan was a proud member of the UA Local 26 Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Union.

Milan greatly enjoyed being in the outdoors. Hunting, fishing and camping with family and close friends were true passions. He was a big fan and supporter of local sports programs. He proudly sponsored many youth and adult athletic teams, recognizing the quality-of-life value these programs add to the community. Milan also enjoyed coaching baseball. He spent many years helping to develop players in local Little League and Babe Ruth programs, while instilling character and values such as integrity, work-ethic and sportsmanship. His heart was in helping those who needed an assist in their lives. Whether it was a place to stay if they were having a tough time, a hot meal, college tuition, or someone to lend an ear, Milan was there. He was a positive, encouraging and inspirational influence to those around him.

Milan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jackie Bruner of Montesano; two sons: Michael (Alysha) Bruner and Bryan Bruner both of Aberdeen; two brothers: Wiley (Susan) Bruner of Longview, Washington and Galen (Julie) Bruner of Bothell, Washington; a sister Karla Bruner of Dorena, Oregon; grandchildren: Brayton Pascoe, Layne (McKenna) Bruner, Merryn Bruner, Mylan Bruner, Mykenzi Bruner, Jaelyn Bruner and Aubree Bruner; one great-grandchild, Shayde Pascoe, as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces that were dear to his heart. Family reunions were one of the great joys of Milan’s life. Family members often gathered to hear Milan telling stories of his life adventures and their shared family experiences.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of life held on Friday, June 14th, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Baptist Church, in Hoquiam. The service will be immediately followed by a potluck Celebration of Life Reception, at the Aberdeen Elks, starting at 3:30 p.m. A private family inurnment will also take place at the McCleary Cemetery, in McCleary, Washington.

The family has established a memorial scholarship program in Milan’s name and is asking that in lieu of sending flowers to the service, those planning to do so, please consider donating to the “Milan Bruner Memorial Scholarship” fund. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 862, Montesano, WA 98563.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.