Bruce R. Brantner, Sr.

Bruce R. Brantner, Sr. 88 of La Salle, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on May 25, 2025.

Memorial visitation will be Friday May 30, 2025, from 5-7 PM in the Ptak Funeral Home.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Ptak Funeral Home has been entrusted with the

arrangements.

Bruce was born October 5, 1936, in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Winifred (Echardt)

Brantner. He graduated from North Park High School and North Park College in

Chicago with a BA in Economics. Bruce also went on to attend Loyola and Depaul Universities. He was married to Mary Beth Brantner (Cicci) for 55 years; married on January 24, 1970.

Bruce worked as a Marketing Representative up until his retirement, during which time, he was also a Boy Scout leader. After his retirement, he discovered he loved working with his hands and had an antique refinishing business called Fancy Shop. His remarkable attention to detail transitioned into model railroading where he was not only a member of the Illinois Valley division of the National Model Railroad Association but also a founder of the local LS & BC Model Railroading Club and he was the creator of the Coyote Division of the Santa Fe Railroad, an award-winning model railroad layout that was a 40-year labor of love.

Bruce is survived by his wife Mary Beth, his daughters Tara (Michael) Wood of Savannah, GA, Lane (Susan Turley) West of La Salle, Noreen (Rene Belanger) Brantner of Utica, Amity (Kerry) Comiskey of Hinsdale, Desiree (fiancé Taylor Klatt) Brantner of Spring Valley, a grandson William, a brother Ronald Brantner of Missouri and a niece and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bruce Jr.

Mary Beth and all her daughters will be receiving friends and family on Friday May 30, 2025 from 5-7pm at Ptak Funeral Home with a reception to follow in La Salle. All are welcome.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFh.com