Bruce Alan Bruning, age 69, rode into eternity on November 22, 2025, surrounded by family to give him a proper send off. A resident of Saguache, Colorado, and formerly of Pueblo, Bruce made his life across Nebraska, Texas, and Colorado—carrying with him a cowboy’s work ethic, a craftsman’s precision, and a heart rooted deeply in family.
Born March 7, 1956, in Hebron, Nebraska, to Wilson F. “Bud” Bruning and Rose Marie (Nedza) Bruning. Bruce came into the world with a deep love for the open skies, good horses, Hereford & Longhorn cattle, and honest work. This would guide every chapter of his life.
He grew up on the plains strengthened by family and faith. Baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, he went on to become a member of Scurlock Chapel & Union Church in TX. Later in life he held his faith private, committing every day to his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
He graduated from Bruning High School in 1974, where he was an athlete with grit and as a senior, was the quarterback of his undefeated football team that was ranked 4th in the entire state of Nebraska. A young man already dreaming of the cowboy life, he turned down a college basketball scholarship, to pursue the dream that had already captured his heart: becoming a full-time cowboy on the big spreads of Texas.
In 1975, Bruce moved to Gruver, Texas, to work at Caprock Industries feedlots. There he met and married Tracie (Womack) Bruning on December 26, 1976, and together they raised two daughters, Tiffany and Tara. Over the next several decades, he worked across the Texas Panhandle for numerous ranches, feedlots, and saddle shops. No matter where he went, Bruce quickly became the cattle boss, head of the cowboy crew, or trusted craftsman. He earned the respect of all who worked beside him—known for his work ethic, dependability, his generosity, and his willingness to help anyone in need.
Bruce had a true cowboy heart; he carried himself with quiet honor that never needed announcing: a talented team roper and ranch roper, a skilled horseman, and an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. For many years he also worked as a fishing guide, sharing his knowledge of the water with others.
At age 25, Bruce discovered a second passion—custom saddle making. What began as a hobby in the living room grew into a lifelong craft. While receiving only two days off a week from feedlot work, he invested them entirely in attending Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI). There he met Elbert Foster, a mentor and dear family friend, who taught him the fine points of making a saddle “right.” Bruce went on to build 172 custom saddles under his own brand, and countless others for well-known makers including Larry Coates, Bob Marrs, Kings Saddlery, JM Capriola, ThreeForks Saddlery, and Gunnison Country Outfitters to name a few. His craftsmanship traveled farther than he ever expected; making a saddle for George Strait (under the Larry Coates brand), one made and delivered personally to Tanya Tucker and countless others built for ranch hands and ropers, who recognized quality the moment they touched it. Bruce was most proud of building saddles for the working cowboy.
Music was another thread woven through Bruce’s life. Beginning on trombone and guitar before moving to drums, he played in bands for over 40 years across Nebraska, Texas, and Colorado—including the high-school rock group Jasmine. His TX band once opened for the Lost Boys. Music brought him joy, friendships, and countless stories. Like most cowboys and musicians, Bruce had a wild side and kept life interesting for those around him. It was that fearless courage and “hold my beer” attitude that contributed to him aging well before his time. It’s not the years but the miles and Bruce put on some hard miles.
He was an avid reader and loved the works of Will James, J.Frank Dobie, and Ben K Green. These authors captured the vanishing lifestyle of the American West that Bruce loved so much.
Above all his talents and the roles he played-cowboy, cattleman, craftsman, musician-it was Dad & Grandpa that meant the most. He cooked, coached, encouraged, played with and cheered; traveling miles to sit on bleachers and clap from the stands. His daughters, Tiffany and Tara, and their children were his pride and joy.
In a surprising way, Bruce’s circle broadened On May 17th, 2025; Bruce married Twyla Walker-Collins in Prescott, Arizona. Together they embarked on many adventures and their time together was a gift—filled with laughter, deep companionship, and a peace that enriched Bruce’s life. Bruce often said that meeting Twyla was one of the greatest blessings of his life. Their partnership brought him renewed joy, steadiness, and the sense of being truly understood. Through Twyla, he was blessed with two bonus daughters, Jessica and Jamie, grandchildren, mom, and an entire family who brought even more joy and connection to his family. Together they enjoyed traveling, exploring new places, sharing their faith, and enjoying the quiet beauty of their home in Saguache. Bruce deeply treasured this final chapter of his life with Twyla, her family, and the community in Saguache.
He lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of integrity, craftsmanship, music, and family devotion. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Twyla (her family); his daughters Tiffany (Mark) Case and Tara (Jacob) Chapman; his sister Cynthia (Tony) Wolff and his brother Darren (Ellie) Bruning; and his grandchildren Jackson, Tyler, and Jaci Chapman, and Rhett, Reed, and Ren Rangel. He is also survived by his Aunt Nancy (Jim) Vossler, Uncle Charles E. Nedza, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Rose Marie.
A service will be held in Saguache, Colorado on December 12th at noon at Mountain Valley School Cafeteria, 403 Pitkin Avenue, Saguache, CO 81149. A second service and scattering will take place June 13th, 2026 in Bruning, Nebraska, followed by a reception. Location TBD.
Memorials in Bruce’s honor are suggested to the family for future designation-expenses, Saguache Fire Station 7, and Northern Saguache County Ambulance. PO Box 51, Saguache, CO 81149 or Zelle or PayPal to Twyla’s email.