Vernon Bruning, age 76, of Mitchell, died Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 2 PM on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday at the Will Funeral Chapel. Vernon Vern Bruning, son of Clifford and Erma (Rupp) Bruning, was born February 8, 1932 on the farm in rural Westbrook, MN. He grew up in Westbrook and attended country school and late school in Westbrook. He moved to the Mitchell area in the late 1940s where he started working for area farmers. He was later employed at Wing Mattress Shop and then Herbs Texaco. Vern then entered the US Army where he served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and returned to the Mitchell area. Vern was united in marriage with Charlotte Harper on October 17, 1955 at LuVerne, MN. Upon returning to Mitchell Vern worked at NorthWest Public Service, then Tri-State Tobacco as a driver and salesman. He then began his career with Coca Cola as a salesman route driver for 27 years until his retirement in 1995. After retirement he was part-time salesmen for BBBBs Corn Stoves and a driver for Iverson Chrysler Center. Vern enjoyed bowling and was involved in many bowling leagues. He was a member of the VFW, and the American Legion. Vern always had a sharp sense of humor and a dry wit. Grateful for sharing his life are his two daughters, Debra (Randy) Artus, Atlanta, GA, Darla Bruning, Mitchell, SD; two brothers, Loren (Delores) Bruning, Elko, NV, Jerry Bruning, Mitchell, SD; three sisters, Carol (Roy) Thorson, Viborg, SD, DiAnn (Norman) Schelske, Springfield, SD, and Gloria (Larry) Benedict, Arroyo Grande, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte on August 2, 1995, and his parents.