January 19, 2009 Thomas Bruner, 61, Towner, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, in the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby. Tom was born June 4, 1947, in Fargo. He was adopted as an infant by Pete and Erna Bruner. He was raised and attended school in Drake. After graduating from Drake High School he attended North Dakota State University in Fargo where he earned a pharmacy degree. He worked as a pharmacist early in his career and did relief pharmacy work later in his career. He also worked for the Soo Line Railroad, where he achieved the rank of engineer. Tom was an avid hunter. He was the 436th person in the world to achieve a Grand Slam of North American Wild Sheep and completed two more later in life. He also hunted moose, caribou, zebra, cape buffalo, as well as many types of bear and other big game. Tom hunted in places like Africa, Russia, British Columbia, China, Mexico, the North Pole, the Yukon, as well as within the United States. He thoroughly cherished his wilderness experiences. His love for animals and the outdoors led him to start a pheasant ranching business in 1990, which he owned and operated for more than 10 years. At the time of his death he resided on his own hunting preserve near Towner. Tom is survived by his wife, Marlys; son, Tom (Connie) Bruner of Hankinson; daughter, Kristi (Mike) Bitz of Hillsboro; stepsons, John Nostdahl, Wesley Nostdahl, both Minot; stepdaughter, Jolene Ratts, Minot; mother-in-law, Abbie Schmidt, Jamestown; seven grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter, Kyla, who lived with Tom and Marlys Bruner at their ranch near Towner. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Erna Bruner. His funeral will be Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10-17th Ave. SW, Minot. Visitation will be just prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Those wishing to sign the online guest register or share memories of Tom may access the online obituaries at (www.thompsonlarson.com). (Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot)