Lawrence Lloyd Bruckner

Lawrence, like Lawrence of Arabia, Bruckner, like the composer, had his final journey to the one place he had not visited on June, 3rd 2025. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Thomson, Illinois with a visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Lower York Cemetery in Thomson, Illinois.

Born on April, 15th, 1950 (is there anyone who would have been more appropriate to be born on Tax Day), in Savanna, Illinois. He was the beloved son of Lloyd Morse and Anna Mildred Bruckner (Bulin) who made their homestead in Thomson, Illinois.

Appointed to his first major role as the eldest brother to Nancy and Clarence, it gave him a sense of responsibility that he never let go. He treasured his time being the big brother! Even in his final days he was giving out advice to them (unsolicited of course!). The pride he held for his siblings and the legacy of the Bruckner family is something that he instilled in us all.

During his early years his passion was his education. Did you know he carried a briefcase instead of a backpack to school? No wonder, he graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1968 from Thomson High School. His time at THS was very memorable to him and he spoke often about his days in 4-H and the FFA. His passion for science was always a major aspect of his life, his favorite science fair project was about using algae as food. Recently he watched a documentary about this and how it is being used around the world, he would say, “now why can’t we start a business like that?”

From Science to Economics he found a passion in 4-H, he was the 1969 National Citizenship Winner for which he even received a silver platter from President Richard Nixon. He also was the Vice President of the Illinois Junior Academy of Science in 1967. Lawrence promoted 4-H in all his children and grandchildren. He was always interested in their projects and tried to be at all the showings, fairs and award ceremonies. His delight abounded in watching his 4-H legacy continue through his family.

Being raised on a dairy and melon farm, he was a natural at FFA (Future Farmers of America). In 1967 he was elected State Star Farmer of Illinois and awarded the honor of being the number one agricultural student in all of Illinois. He was always on the hunt for the perfect watermelon.

Not knowing it would start a lifetime of travels, Lawrence went on his first major adventure and enrolled at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. There he studied History and Political Science, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in History and a Masters Degree in Political Science. Being a Midwesterner on the East Coast was an adjustment for him. Luckily, they had a meal plan and he was able to get steak dinners on Saturday nights and the ice cream machine was available at any time! In 1970, he spent a Semester at Sea, where he took classes around the globe, this experience forever changed his view of the world.

Once he finished his time at Trinity, he knew he wanted to be a lawyer (well he wanted to be President of the United States–but this was the first step), he was accepted at the historical College of William and Mary Law School where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1973. During his summer break before joining the workforce, he took a backpacking trip from Mexico City, Mexico to the tips of South America. This trip opened his mind to the wonders of the world and also the struggles of so many others. This was a time without any cell phones and all he carried was his suitcase and cash. As a lifelong learner he looked at trips as an adventure and learning opportunity.

After his time working in Washington, D.C. as an assistant to the chairman of the Ways & Means Committee of the House of Representatives, Lawrence made his way back to Illinois to continue his role as a dedicated eldest son. Someone who truly made a difference in his life was Attorney George Nichols in Dixon, Illinois, who acted as a mentor to this fresh lawyer. During Lawrence’s career he owned law offices in Dixon and Savanna, Illinois from 1977-2001. During his time in the law practice he dealt with all levels of personal family, financial, social and legal challenges. He was past president of the Carroll County Bar Association and served as Carroll County Public Defender 1990-1993. He helped many families in the community, but one story he treasured was at a scholarship banquet when the family of the scholarship recipient came up to him and said “we want to say thank you not only for the Lion’s Scholarship, but also for your help with her adoption papers.” As a true believer of "it's a small world,” these full circle stories
of how he impacted others were always happening.

As a dreamer, he was active in politics. Lawrence ran for Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in the primary in 2006 and for State Representative of the 71st District. He was a loyal Republican and even on his final day he spent it watching the news and keeping up with the global affairs. His enthusiasm and willingness to engage in a lively debate grounded in intellect and policy never faded.

He was an active volunteer in his community and served as Past District Governor 1-D of the Lions Club 2000-2001 and was a Past State Chairman of Endowments and Memorials. He stayed an active member of the Thomson Lions Club receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow and Foundation Fellow Awards. Thomson held a special place in his heart, from helping with the Alumni to being active in Melon Days, he always tried to butt his nose in somewhere. He also achieved the rank of 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Knights Templar and a former member of the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims.

Lawrence felt a strong desire to give back to his country as he was spared from the Vietnam draft when so many of his classmates were not. He joined the 95th JAG Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves. He lectured on the Law of War, International Claims and attained the rank of Major in USAR JAG and was honorably discharged in 1994.

Family to Lawrence was something he always dreamed of and took his time to find the best life partner in Luanne Frosch Henneman in 1981. He became an instant father figure to her three children. In 1990, the couple welcomed their daughter, Brianna, to make their family complete. In all ways, he supported and nurtured the household with intelligence, courage, patriotism and inspired a home to have a worldly view. Together their family raised four wonderful children who know the meaning of hands to larger service and hearts to greater loyalty.

Traveling was a lifestyle for Lawrence that he spread to his family. Being bitten by the travel bug in his 20s, Lawrence continued to travel to all 7 continents and to over 90 countries. He always had another trip planned and even visited Honduras this last month with his grandson and family. With the ability to live the life he created, Luanne, Brianna and Lawrence traveled the world together. They were fortunate to share these memories together and develop a true personal friendship.

Lawrence took every opportunity to build the life he imagined for him and his family. During his last few moments he was still giving his grandson, Max, tips and tricks of how to start a YouTube business. There are too many certificates, awards, books written and items to count his achievements but his greatest achievement will always be the memories he made and lives he impacted.

Live long and prosper.

Left to honor his memory are his wife, Luanne, of 44 years; his daughter, Brianna (Logan) Burns, Waller, TX; Step son, Matthew Henneman Houston, TX; Step daughters, Amie Henneman (Micheal) Callahan Moline, IL and Heidi Henneman, Driftwood, TX.

Grandchildren: Sarah “Rai” Callahan, New York, NY; Bryn Callahan (Hailey), DeKalb, IL; Matthew Callahan and Bailey Callahan, Moline, IL; Margaret Henneman, Houston, TX and Maxwell Henneman, Driftwood, TX.

Siblings: Clarence (Allison) Bruckner, Ocean Springs, MS; Nancy (Rich) Spinelli, Sedona, AZ; Brother in law: Tony Frosch, LaCrosse, WI; Sisters in law: Janice Frosch, Morris, IL; Teresa Meakins (Eric) Linn, Jefferson, SC.

Nephews: Bryan and Eric Spinelli, Jeff and Jason Frosch; Tyler Oliver. He was welcomed to his forever home by his parents and his son Lawrence Lloyd Bruckner II (in infancy).

The family would like to say a special thanks to the local community and to everyone with our medical team in Texas. You all have truly impacted our journey and we are grateful for the bonus years we had with him. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts: Houston Methodist Transplant Center (Korie, Carlos, and Dr. Basra), Davita Dialysis Center (Mariland, Sheila, Steve), Relief EMS: (Dana, William, Emily, Anthony), Caregivers: Dr. David, Yolanda, Seth, Georgia and Deborah.

In lieu of gifts or flowers please make any honorariums to your local 4-H or the Illinois FFA Foundation.