Portia Jean Bruning

Portia Jean Bruning, 84, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home.

Portia was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to George and Jeanette (Hartin) Hanson. She graduated from Heelan High School in 1959 and continued her education at Western Iowa Tech Community College, earning degrees in Retail Sales and Merchandising and Arts and Science.

On November 24, 1979, Portia married the love of her life, Alan Bruning. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage.

Throughout her career, Portia was employed by Western Iowa Tech Community College, MCI, and Hy-Vee, where she worked as a florist. Her love of flowers and floral design remained a lifelong passion long after her retirement.

Portia was a devoted member of Morningside Lutheran Church. She found great joy in Round and Square Dancing and was actively involved in the dance community, serving in leadership roles at the local federation level as well as with State and National Conventions.

Above all, Portia cherished her family and will be remembered as a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Alan Bruning of Sioux City, Iowa; her children, Richard Cooper of San Diego, California, Christina (Mike) Flihan of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Catherine (Scott) Warner of Sioux City, Iowa; her grandchildren, Mikee Flihan, Alexis Derochie, Trisha (Zach) Leewitt, Ashlyn Derochie, Alivia Derochie, Cameron Warner, and Ali Warner; and her great-grandchildren, Jaxton Leewitt and Baker Leewitt. She was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of her newest great-grandchild, Banks Thomas, expected in July.

Portia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeanette Hanson; and her brother, Bobby Hanson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes Morningside Chapel, 1801 Morningside Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa. A graveside service at Graceland Cemetery will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jamie Beck Family Foundation, P.O. Box 44274, Denver, CO 80201-4274, or online at jamiebeckfoundation.org.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided to Portia and her family.