Frank Bruening

Frank Bruening of Montgomery, OH , Age 90, entered into eternal life on October 29, 2026. Arrangements provided by Gilligan Funeral Homes. Frank was the son of August and Lena (nee Niehaus) who immigrated to the Cincinnati area from Germany in the early years of the 20th century. Preceded in death by his loving first wife, the mother of his children Carol (nee Vordem Esche), his brothers Reverend Joseph, Paul, Edward, Jimmy, and his sister Margaret. Survived by his sister Mary (nee Maxwell), his second loving wife Jean Kovach, “his boys” David (Connie), Daniel (Lisa), Gregory (Coleen), and Michael (Marianne), grandchildren Joshua, Joey, Jolena, William, Christopher, Megan, and Jacob, great grandchild August, and many nieces and nephews. He was “Poppa Frank” to Jean’s children Angela Arway, Jennifer (Eric) Muench, George (Susan) Kovach, Megan Kovach, Mary (Joe) Ayers, and Jean’s grandchildren David Arway, Daniel Arway, Madelon Arway, Ashley Muench, Mackenzie Muench, Zachary Muench, Frances Kovach, Joe Kovach, Georgianna Kovach, Louis Bernard Kovach, Adelheide Ayers, and Teresa Ayers.

Frank was a native of West Norwood, where the vibrant parish of St. Elizabeth was the center of the community. It was there, and within his family, that his Catholic faith formed the foundation of his life. He was a proud Purcell Cavalier (class of ’54) and Xavier Musketeer (class of ’58). Throughout his life Frank committed himself to many parish ministries at St. John’s Deer Park, Good Shepherd, and All Saints. He was a Scout leader, adult server, member of several choirs, financial assistant, and Eucharistic minister to the homebound.

Frank enjoyed attending sporting events, especially Reds and Xavier games. He was a Xavier football season ticket holder, and along with many Cincinnatians was saddened when Xavier dropped its Division 1 program in 1973.

Frank put his accounting degree from Xavier to use in a professional career as the controller of two local construction companies and a local non-for-profit entity that administered housing loans to lower income families.

Frank’s greatest joy came from his family. Whether a simple visit, a birthday party, attending a sporting event, or a holiday gathering, Frank’s infectious smile was never wider than when he was spending time with those who were closest to him. Frank cherished his patriarch role as the family grew to include daughter in-laws, grandchildren, and a great grandchild.

Frank will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he profoundly touched in many different ways. We are comforted by our faith believing that Frank will hear Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cincinnati Right to Life, cincinnatirighttolife.org.