In her earlier years, Mrs. Bruckner enjoyed baking. She also enjoyed traveling and visited many places, both abroad and in the United States, including the state of Washington to visit her daughter. She was a devoted wife and homemaker, supporting her children and her grandchildren in their athletic and scouting events, and in church and school activities. Later in life, Joy loved to do word searches, read, watch the birds, especially her favorite hummingbirds, and enjoyed her flowers in her garden.
Summers were spent camping and enjoying time with family at the clubhouse. Joy was a member of a card club made up of members of her high school friends. She was a member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered at the hospital from 1989 to 2005. She was a long-time, active member of Christ United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, where she was a choir member, a member of Chi Kappa, Women’s Fellowship, as well as other groups within the church. She was a regular participant and faithful volunteer at many church functions. She was loved by and will be missed by many.
Preceding her in death are her husband of 66 years, Kenneth W. Bruckner, whom she married on May 23, 1953, and who died on February 7, 2020; her parents, Alfred W. and Manila Louise, nee Brumm, Kraft; two brothers, Alfred Adam “Sonny” Kraft, and Sherdell Frederick “Butch” (Sylvia) Kraft.
Surviving are a daughter, Diane Lynn Bruckner of Tacoma, WA; and two sons, Brad Allan (Rhonda) Bruckner of Belleville, IL, and Jay Curtis Bruckner of Belleville, IL; two grandchildren, Cody Allan Bruckner (girlfriend, Sam), and Blake Hunter Bruckner (girlfriend, Francesca); a sister-in-law, Ruth Kraft; a niece and nephews; and her loving canine companion, Puffy.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Christ United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021, at Christ United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and social distancing will be observed.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021, at Christ United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Jon Tinge officiating. Masks are required.
Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Highland, IL.