Bruno Horace Liebner

At age 14, Bruno ran away from home after a quarrel with his dad - March 17, 1905--on Aunt Erna Liebner Raasch's birthday. Bruno returned home at age 17. He trapped rabbits and other small animals, and caught fish to survive, and did odd jobs during his travels through the north woods of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Canada. His adventures included escaping a brush with death when he fell into quicksand (he saved himself), working on the railroad (building), and being robbed with other railroad workers at the hand of the notorious Boston Blackie.

Upon his return home, he worked for his father - R. Liebner & Son Wholesale Delicatessen and then founded a pickle and herring business. Bruno left the family business and started his own company the Bay View Packing Co., Sept. 1922, at 1218 W. Chestnut Street, Milwaukee, WI., Later the business moved to 33rd St., and then moved to 15th & Cherry streets. Eventually, his son Byron Liebner joined him in the business, later taking over the presidency at Bruno's retirement in 1954. Today, Bryon's youngest son, Reinhart (Reiny) runs the Bay View Packing Company, located on 1906 St. Paul Avenue, in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley.

Bruno was a passionate gourmet cook who loved preparing meals for family and friends, mostly American and German fare. He took delight in the preparation and serving and made sure that all three of his wives understood that he was the cook, while their roles were supportive in the kitchen.

Characteristics that stand out are ready laugh, a friendly smile, and fastidious about his appearance (always smelling fresh with Old Spice shaving cream and a smooth, freshly shaved face), home, and yard. A devout Christian, Bruno was actively involved in his church, St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Wauwatosa, where he held many roles, including president,and later his church in Florida.

Mottos: Seek ye the kingdom of God and all these other thoings shall be added onto thee; and The future belongs to those who prepare for it."