Dale R Brunner

Dale R. Brunner Birth 	23 Jul 1932 Death 	25 Apr 2008 (aged 75) Burial 	 Burr Oak Township Cemetery Burr Oak, St. Joseph County, Michigan, USA Show Map Memorial ID 	173471847 · View Source

• DALE RUSSELL BRUNNER* age 75 of Burr Oak passed away Friday evening April 25, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 23, 1932 in California Township, Branch County, Michigan a son of the late Russell & Alice (Kelso) Brunner. When Dale was just 4 years old his father died tragically while working with the power company to restore electricity during an electrical storm. His mother later married Charles Bucknell which was the only father that Dale really knew. Upon the death of Dale’s mother his step-father married Carrie Walters.

Dale was nearly a lifelong resident of Burr Oak graduating from Burr Oak High School with the class of 1950. For several years he served on the Burr Oak Community School Board and was a past president.

On March 29, 1952 he married Evelyn Link at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church.

He retired from the Sturgis Foundry following 47 years of dedicated employment. His career with the Sturgis Foundry began following his graduation from high school. He started in the Accounting Department working mostly with payroll. He was moved to Production Manager and at the time of his retirement he held the position of Personnel Manager.

He attended the Burr Oak United Methodist Church and was a Corporal in the U.S. Army serving two years at Fort Knox in Kentucky.

Dale was a member of the Meridian Sun-Eagle Lodge #49 F&AM and a past member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #28. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting and for many years played city league fast pitch softball. An accomplishment he was proud of was during the annual 2 week summer vacations he made sure his children traveled to all 48 continental states. His family will forever cherish the nightly “deer rides” and his joy of watching sunsets.

Dale had many interests, hobbies and involvements but his greatest joy in life was his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Evelyn, 4 Daughters; Teresa (Randy) English of Elkhart, Indiana, Lorri Brunner of West Branch, Becky (Jeff) Ultz of Burr Oak and Julie Brunner of Constantine, 1 Son; Dan (Tammy) Brunner of Burr Oak, 5 Grandchildren; Jesse Ultz of Farmington Hills, Tosha (Ben) Ultz-Harper of Grand Rapids, Michael English of Elkhart, Indiana, Christina English of Elkhart, Indiana and Alisia Brunner of Constantine, 1 Great Granddaughter; Korryn English of Elkhart, Indiana, 1 Sister; Betty (William) Milliman of Burr Oak and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother and step-father, and 2 step-brothers; Bob Bucknell and Dick Bucknell.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the *Rosenberg-Schipper Funeral Home* of Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Dale Russell Brunner will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the Burr Oak United Methodist Church. The Revs. Keith Treman and Donald Graham will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Brunner’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the American Cancer Society for research, 5110 S. Sprinkle Rd., Portage, MI 49002. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.