Mark Howard Bronner, MD

Mark Howard Bronner, MD died on June 15th, 2024 at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Only months before he had been enjoying his semi-retirement by traveling with his wife and their friends; visiting their kids and soaking up time spoiling their grandchildren; all while still working once a week, caring for the community he loved and served for nearly forty years. This all came to a sad and sudden end when he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, glioblastoma, in late 2023.

Mark was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1953 to his proud parents, Robert “Bobby” and Betty Bronner. In 1971 he graduated from Atherton High School, then went on to Indiana University. His first calling to pursue medicine came at an early age and once he heard it, it became the rhythm around which the rest of his life would beat. After earning his medical degree from the University of Louisville he completed both his internal medicine residency and fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Medical University of South Carolina. Returning to Louisville, Mark started his private practice in 1985. In 1990 he established Louisville Gastroenterology Associates with Dr. Timothy Popham and eventually helped to transform it into the largest independent GI practice in the Louisville market. He was instrumental in developing the Louisville Endoscopy Center and was the founding medical director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Kentucky chapter. One colleague described Mark as, “an extraordinary doctor, mentor, but an even better partner and friend,” and went on to say, “we will all miss his exceptional personality and his quick wit. His journey in this life is over, but his soul and spirit will live on in each of us.”

Gastroenterology was not just a professional vocation; for Mark, it was personal too. At a time when physicians were trained to leave their own experiences outside the exam room, he sat with his patients and told them how his own chronic GI illness had impacted his life since his early twenties. He shared how he coped with it and how eventually, he learned to live with it. By doing so, Mark offered an empathetic ear to his patients, one that allowed them to feel heard; one that continued to listen for the forty years he practiced gastroenterology. In addition to validating his patients’ concerns, it was important to him that he help them understand their disease. Sitting with his patients he would take the time to explain, in a way that made sense to them, the potentially complex situation they faced. He empowered them with knowledge and gave them compassion so they too could learn to live with their illness.

Mark loved people. He loved entertaining: hosting pool parties in the summer, holiday parties every winter, and providing festive treats for both the neighborhood kids and parents every Halloween. A lifelong fan, Mark spent years cheering on the University of Louisville Cardinals. Those he loved cheering on the most though, were his children and grandchildren. He encouraged Beth to return to school and follow her dream to become a dietician. He was Meredith’s best friend, the person who believed in her potential, and the one she would share interesting animal cases with at the end of a long day. He gave Jonathan an indescribable confidence to pursue his life’s goals. He was the push Susan needed to apply to medical school and reminded her throughout that she was capable of becoming the physician she had always hoped to be. John was inspired by his enduring generosity. Mark was proud that all of his kids valued education; was relieved to know that all of them were answering the calls of their own unique hearts; and that all of them are committed to professions where they are poised to help others. More than anything though, he was thrilled by the grandkids they shared with him. Affectionately called “Granddaddy,” “Babu,” and “Crazy Mark,” by his twelve grandchildren he loved making them laugh and devoured any moment he got to spend with them. It is clear that while the devoted father, stepdad, and grandfather may no longer be here, Mark’s love for people and family will persevere for generations.

The love that captured Mark’s heart the most -the one that was his greatest light- that sparkled in celebrations and provided warmth in times of darkness was for his wife. Susan Bronner was his best friend and soulmate and together they blended their families, traveled the world, cared for patients, delighted in nature, and lit up any room they entered. Their love was palpable, even after twenty-seven years of marriage. “High school crush until the day he died,” was how one friend described Mark’s love for Susan. Their passports have been stamped in all but one continent (the glioblastoma came before they could make it to Australia) and they had been to most of the states. Yet despite their well-worn suitcases and adventures in faraway lands, it was always Louisville, Kentucky -surrounded by their loved ones and dear friends- that would forever be their favorite destination. It was there where Mark’s life ended, with her steadfastly at his side.

Mark is survived by his wife Susan; children Jonathan Bronner (Sarah), Meredith Bronner, Beth Crane (Will); stepchildren John Wilhoit (Jane), Susan Wilhoit (Vince Herlihy); grandchildren Maya, Isaac, Arianna, Levi, Violet, Rosemary, Betty, Maggie, Devon, Ella, Mason and Miles; siblings Steve Bronner (Wendy), Barbara Schwartz (Tom); nieces and nephews Liza, Ali, Melissa, Robert, Michael, Ethan, and Nathaniel; cousin Rick Lehman (Michelle Koo); daughter-in-law Kim Hamilton; mother-in-law Jean Sims; brothers-in-law Damon Sims (Suzette) and John Sims (Rebecca); and former wife Anne Banks. Mark is also survived by many cousins considered to be first cousins and many friends and colleagues he considered brothers.

His family thanks his physician of many years, Dr. Matt Rogers. They send their gratitude to the dedicated teams from Premier Caregiver Services and Hosparus Health and to Shelbi Knauer, all of whom brought Mark joy and compassion in his final days. On Saturday July 20th, the family is hosting a community visitation at the Louisville Marriott Downtown from 2-4:30. Memorial donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association abta.org.