John “Hans” A. Brunner age 70 of Durand, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

John was born December 2, 1945 in Durand.  He was the son of Andrew J and Marie T. (Brunner) Brunner, and spent his entire life on his childhood home farm in the Township of Lima, Pepin County.  He graduated from Sacred Heart School in Lima and served in the Army Reserves from 1965-1971.  John married Suzanne Sperger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand on August 19, 1970.

John worked for 41 years at Bauer Built Inc., in Durand.  He worked in the tire center, as an on the road salesman and finally as Durand Store Manager, all jobs that he loved and excelled in, retiring in 2007.

John was a fighter, overcoming two bouts with Lymphoma since 2009.  He fought valiantly in the last months of his life to overcome an unknown illness, finally diagnosed as PML which finally took his life.

John enjoyed life and involved himself in many pastimes.  He followed NASCAR, traveling to many races over the years.  He loved to fish and hunt and took great pleasure in spending time with his boys at his hunting cottage in the woods.  He loved being a Grandpa and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren.  He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 181 in Durand, where he served in the military honor guard at numerous funerals.  He was currently serving as the finance officer of the post.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Suzanne, sons, Jason (Jeanne) of Durand, Joshua (Sarah) of Chippewa Falls, Justin of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Ethan and Jayden; a sister, Andrea (Sam) Massimilla of Lady Lake, FL; a sister-in-law, Patty Brunner of Rapid City, SD; a brother-in-law, David Parish of Las Vegas, NV, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald and a sister, Delrita Parish.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday September 2, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. Paul Bosco officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 181 of Durand.  Burial will be at a later date at Holy Rosary Cemetery-Lima, Durand.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Condolences

1. Greg and Laurie Brantner September 6, 2016, at 11:47am

   Our deepest sympathies to Hans' family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

2. Dave and Jule Webb September 5, 2016, at 12:44pm

   Sue and family, So sorry to here about Hans. Will always remember the good times we shared at the GMO gulf outings and Business meetings with the managers and wives.Love always Dave and Julie Webb

3. Dick & Doshie Grey September 2, 2016, at 12:28pm

   Suzanne and Family. We were sorry to hear of Hans death. We were not aware that he was ill and fighting such a bad disease. Peace to you and the family and find comfort the he is finally at peace.

4. Carol Richardson August 29, 2016, at 5:39pm

   Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending our sympathy to you. Will keep in prayer.

   Rick and Carol Richardson

5. Jeff & Brenda Schroeder August 29, 2016, at 4:28pm

   Suzanne and Family,
   Jeff and I both worked with Hans for many years. He was quite the character. He had a very good heart and loved his family very much. I pray that God will be with all of you during this sad time and that he will give you his strength and that you feel his loving arms around you. God Bless you all.

6. Dave& Dorothy Anibas August 29, 2016, at 3:18pm

   I will remember Hans as a friend and a good Legion
   member. I respect him as he would say what he was
   thinking.May he rest in peace.

7. Leonard and Anice Reiman August 29, 2016, at 12:30pm

   Sorry to hear about Hans. We always enjoyed visiting with him.
   Peace!

8. Sister Rosalia Bauer August 29, 2016, at 11:59am

   My prayers and sympathy to you, Sue & family! Hans and his parents were neighbors to Joe/Rose Bauer. Several times I got to 'baby sit', as Marie and Andy went dancing. Had my first taste of venison while baby sitting.

9. Terry Prissel August 29, 2016, at 9:07am

   Hanz was a great guy we had alot of fun together in the Legion. He will be missed.

10. Donna Jones August 29, 2016, at 8:47am

    Sue, Jake, Josh, Justin and families,
    My heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of "Hans".....I remember always his wit at our parent-teacher conferences, and his helpfulness when I needed his "tire" expertise. May God grant him Eternal Rest....and to you Peace in knowing he is with Jesus. May your memories and Faith be sources of comfort in the days ahead.

11. Mike Scott August 29, 2016, at 7:30am

    My condolences to Hans family. I only met Hans twice, but he made a lasting impression on me with his wit and sometimes sarcastic remarks. I had the opportunity to golf with him in the 2007 managers golf tournament. That experience still stays with me to this day. I am truly sorry for your loss.

12. Diane Berger Krultz August 29, 2016, at 6:29am

    So very sorry for your loss, Suzy. Our prayers for you and your family.
    Diane

13. My sympathy to the family. Wish I could be there, Say hello August 29, 2016, at 5:14am

     

14. Susan Hurt August 28, 2016, at 11:54pm

    Dear Sue and family: I am heartbroken for your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers always. Love from Sue

15. Mary Cooper August 28, 2016, at 9:15pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. John was a classmate and friend to both my brother and I. We spent many good times together growing up. May he rest in peace.
    Mary (Bauer) and Jim Cooper

16. Rita Webb August 28, 2016, at 6:50pm

    I'm sorry for your loss, Sue. Praying for your family.

17. Michael Welsh August 28, 2016, at 6:36pm

    I remember Hans from Lima HS and as Audrey said, he was a trip. Wonderful personality who could make anyone laugh. God keep him in His arms.

18. Patty and John Wayne August 28, 2016, at 6:33pm

    Will also remember Hans for the laughter and enjoyment he gave others you never know what he if say.
    Our Heartfelt Sympathy to your family

19. Don Bauer August 28, 2016, at 6:14pm

    I was at Fort Leonard Wood in 1966 for Army basic training. After about three weeks we were allowed to go to the PX so I went in back to the beer garden. Who was sitting at one of the tables? My good friend Hans. We enjoyed a couple of beers together and then back to training. I visited with him many times at Bauer Built. "Salute"q and may he rest in peace.

20. Shary Klopp August 28, 2016, at 6:00pm

    I was a classmate of Hans...so sorry for your loss.

21. Kathy Lieffring August 28, 2016, at 5:06pm

    My sympathy, Sue and family! Hans always had a smart remark and a smile for you.

22. Monica Heitman August 28, 2016, at 4:07pm

    Our deepest sympathy to all the family! Hans always had a way to make people laugh! What fun memories of the times he chaperoned State Forensic's meets! May he rest in peace! God Bless, Dallas and Monica

23. Judy john parr August 28, 2016, at 4:02pm

    Wishing you all have piece. Thoughts and prayers with all

24. Audrey Biesterveld Martin August 28, 2016, at 3:43pm

    I got to know Hans in High School at Lima and all I can say is that was a real trip. In 1969 I moved to Durand and discovered Hans up at the tire center and he had not changed a bit, he was still a trip. I have mentioned Hans in my books as he was real book material,
    It was fun to see him as a grampa, he was so proud. Hans was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone as he was a legend in his time.

25. Michelle Brassfield & Tony LaRock August 28, 2016, at 3:17pm

    So very sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to all of you.

26. Laurie Heit August 28, 2016, at 3:17pm

    My deepest sympathies.

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