Michael Owen Bruckner

Michael Owen Bruckner, 60, of Asheville, died on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals. Mr. Bruckner was a son of the late Lt. Colonel Max Donald and Sarah Owen Bruckner. He was born in Mineral Wells, TX, where he was baptized into the catholic community as an infant. He was confirmed as a young man at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Fayetteville, NC. Mr. Bruckner is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol Schell Bruckner; brother Don Bruckner and wife Louise (children, Max, Sarah), brother James and wife Rhonda Bruckner (children Mackenzie, Nicholas), Bob and Lucy Schell, Dave and Becky Schell Mietzner (Kyle, Ellee, Evangeline, Irene and Jessica). Mike was most recently employed by the State of North Carolina as an employment consultant. He previously worked as a chef, an executive recruiter, and a photographer. He was a member of the Lighthouse Keepers Society. Among his favorite pastimes were travel, photography, and cooking. He never attended a gathering of family and friends without his camera. He looked for the unique side of life wherever and whenever he was and recorded it! Mike's gourmet meals were enjoyed by gathering of all sizes. Mike loved people! He always looked on the bright side of life. His many friends will remember his gentle spirit, his genuine interest in them and the way he approached this especially difficult time in his life with hope and courage. A memorial service for Mr. Bruckner will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Dr. Michael McFarland officiating. His family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation: Pancreatic Cancer Research, at www.lustgarten.org.