Meet the Neighbors

Brought to you by Bridges Senior Living Advisors, Custer Federal State Bank, and EZ Kitchens

For Ryan and Hannah Bruna, Kearney is the place where it all came together—faith, family, friendships, and the foundation for a future they’re excited to build.

Ryan first moved to Kearney in the fall of 2014 to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney. It didn’t take long for this town to make an impression. What started as a college stop quickly became a long-term home, thanks in part to the strong church community, welcoming people, and a city that continues to invest in itself and those who live here.

A few years later, Ryan met Hannah, and their lives have been intertwined with Kearney ever since. They’ve been married for nearly eight years and are now raising two young daughters—Brooklyn, age 3, and Sutton, age 1.

“It’s hard to believe how much life has happened here in such a short time,” Ryan reflects. “We’ve gotten married, bought and remodeled a home, started our careers, and most importantly, started our family.”

Their home sits in a neighborhood on the north side of town, close to Target, Marshalls, Walmart, and the mall—an area that’s convenient and, as Ryan jokes, “a blessing or a curse, depending on who you ask.” For them, it’s just right. The neighborhood is friendly, the streets are full of familiar faces, and there’s a real sense of community that makes everyday life feel a little bit easier.

When the Brunas aren’t chasing around toddlers or enjoying a home-cooked meal, you’ll often find them out at their favorite local restaurants—Suwannee Thai Cuisine and Cunningham’s on the Lake top their list. And when it comes to family fun, they love taking part in the downtown Christmas events. “There’s something really special about bundling up, sipping hot cocoa, and making memories as a family during the holidays,” Hannah says.

Ryan also enjoys a good game of men’s softball and exploring some of Kearney’s hidden gems. The Children’s Museum is a go-to for the whole family, but he also recommends Birdies & Brews for indoor golf and ice skating at the Viaero Center. “Kearney has a little bit of everything,” he says. “You just have to know where to look.”

Some of Ryan’s most cherished moments have come in the quiet, early hours at the hospital—holding his newborn daughters, feeling a mix of love, awe, and gratitude that’s impossible to put into words. “There’s nothing like that feeling,” he says. “Those moments will always stay with us.”

For the Brunas, church is at the heart of their community involvement. They attend Grace Fellowship, a place known for its events and energy, but more importantly, for the connections it helps foster. “It’s where we’ve made some of our closest friendships,” Ryan shares. “It’s where we serve, grow, and find purpose beyond our daily routine.”

When asked to describe Kearney in one word, Ryan doesn’t hesitate—Excellent. “This city doesn’t settle. It plans for the future, builds with intention, and protects the culture that makes it feel like home. Kearney leads with heart and purpose.”

Raising their girls here feels like the best decision they could have made. From the safety and opportunity to the natural beauty and strong sense of community, Kearney continues to give them reason after reason to stay rooted and invested.

“This is where our story is unfolding,” Ryan says. “And we couldn’t imagine it happening anywhere else.”