Bruno L. Harper

Bruno L. Harper, 74, passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 4th, 2023. Bruno was born in Fort Benning, Minnesota on June 15, 1949, the son of James Harper and Sylvia Harper. Bruno spent most of his childhood in Minnesota working hard in school and playing sports. Bruno and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona just in time for him to attend Rincon High School. Bruno played football at Rincon and graduated in 1967. 

     Bruno attended the University of Arizona where he played football for four years. Bruno earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education. He then furthered his education at the University of Arizona earning his Masters in Education.

     Bruno began his teaching career in Nogales, Arizona teaching elementary physical education. He moved to Glendale, Arizona and taught social studies at Mary E. Dill Elementary for several years. In July of 1987, Bruno took his daughter Erika on a vacation to Disneyland. Serendipity happened when Bruno and Erika were waiting for a hotel shuttle. They met Vickie and Kim. The four of them spent the next few days together having fun. 

     Bruno and Vickie began a whirlwind of a love story and got married in Vegas a few months later on September 6, 1987. Vickie moved to Arizona for six months, followed by Bruno and Vickie moving to Overland Park to start their new life. Bruno took a job teaching physical education at Piper High School only to be let go two years later due to RIF. Bruno also coached soccer, basketball and softball at Shawnee Mission South.

     Bruno was an incredibly hard worker and never missed a day of work. He took a job working for McKeever’s Price Chopper managing the produce department for eighteen years. Bruno left McKeever’s in 2015 and began substitute teaching. Bruno loved being back in education and teaching students. He spent his last six years as a building sub at Blue Valley Northwest where he was loved and respected by staff and students. 

     Bruno loved sports and loved watching his favorite teams; LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, Notre Dame, Arizona to name a few. Bruno loved music and collecting albums. He also love to spend time reading. Anyone who knew Bruno, knew he loved to talk!! He was a homebody and always working on home projects. Bruno took pride in everything he did. 

     Bruno was a devoted father, step-father and papa, but most of all he was the most amazing and loving husband to Vickie. He absolutely adored her and told her that every single day of his thirty-six years of marriage to her. Bruno loved spending time with his grandkids and sharing memories and stories about his childhood. Bruno’s warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering spirit will be missed dearly by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

     Bruno was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia Harper, and his father, James Harper.

     He is survived by his wife, Vickie Harper, his daughter, Erika Harper, (Christina), step-daughter, Kimberly Maxon, Grandchildren, Henry Maxon, Charlie Maxon, and Greta Maxon.

     A memorial service will be held on Tuesday August 15th at 10:00 AM at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66210.

     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Make A Wish Foundation in Bruno’s honor, at www.wish.org.