Geraldine (Gerry) J. Brunner age 91 of Elmwood, passed away Sunday November 6, 2022, at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood.

Gerry was born August 11, 1931, in Plum City, Pierce County.  She was the daughter of John J. and Marie M. (Dettling) Kannel.  She grew up in Plum City and Spring Valley.  Gerry graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1949.  After high school she worked as an executive secretary at State Farm Insurance in St. Paul, MN.  Gerry married Elwin J. Brunner, June 16, 1954, in Spring Valley.  After marriage they farmed in the Town of Rock Elm and raised their family.  Later Gerry worked for Elmwood school district as a para professional and in the computer lab. 

Gerry loved to do embroidery work, she was a voracious reader, she enjoyed playing cards and dancing.  She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood, singing in the church choir, being a member of Sacred Heart Altar & Rosary Society and teaching CCD.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Gerry is survived by four children, Tom (Lori), Beth (Jim) Milliren, Mark (Amy), Lori (Brian) Biederman; seven grandchildren, Brent (Jessica), Michael (Lydia), Alex, Maddie (Jordan), Zach, Jared, Lucas and one great grandson, William; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years Elwin, three brothers, Jim, Dale, and Dick Kannel, one sister, Kathy Smith.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday November 15, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Condolences

1. Leanna Larson November 21, 2022, at 10:38pm

   My heart goes out to you Beth and family!! Gerry was always such a sweet person! I miss seeing her when she occasionally stopped in many years ago at the bank. Prayers of comfort and love to you all!!????????

2. Deb Backlund November 14, 2022, at 10:24pm

   My sympathy goes out to your family. Sorry I can’t make it. But my thoughts and love are with you all. Deb Backlund

3. Chris and Arnie Bauer November 14, 2022, at 1:16pm

   Prayers to a special lady.

4. Joyce Kendall November 12, 2022, at 4:40pm

   Gerry worked with me and my students for a long time and also helped in the computer room I have some of her handiwork that she gave me as gifts.

5. Dick & Marlene Zimmer November 10, 2022, at 6:41pm

   Beth and Jim and the rest of the family. Our sympathy to all of you at the loss of Geri. She was such a nice person.

6. Kathleen McCardle November 10, 2022, at 4:02pm

   You have my sympathy. Gerry was a very pleasant lady. I enjoyed working with her at school and visiting with her at book club. And she has a nice family!!

7. Clark & Susan Collett November 10, 2022, at 10:36am

   We are sorry for your loss. No mater how many years we get to share together, they are never enough. My your memories of times together, ease your pain.

8. Mary (Lecheler) Ginsbach November 10, 2022, at 9:38am

   Sending condolences to the Brunner Family, especially to Beth. She was a very kind lady.

9. Laura Hartung November 10, 2022, at 5:08am

   I am sorry to hear Gerry passed away. I have many memories of my dad (Guy Hartung) working on his combine with Elwin in the field and my mom (June) and Gerry calling each other to see where they were :)

10. Bill McRoberts November 9, 2022, at 3:30pm

    I'm sorry for your families loss, sending thoughts and prayers.lklmvsi

11. Susan Dzubay November 9, 2022, at 2:48pm

    Our sympathy to Gerry’s family. Phil so enjoyed delivering her mail & the many conversations they had. She was a wonderful lady.

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