Anthony J "Tony" Brunner
Anthony J. "Tony" Brunner, age 82 of Nelson, died Sunday, April 21, 2013 at the Durand Assisted Living in Durand with his family by his side.
Tony was born on September 15, 1930 in the Town of Lima, rural Durand. He was the son of Matt and Julia (Prissel) Brunner. He grew up in the Lima area and graduated from the Sacred Heart School. In 1952, Tony was drafted into U.S. Army. He served stateside until being Honorably Discharged in 1954. Tony married Rheta M. Bauer on December 29, 1952 in the Holy Rosary Church in Lima. Tony farmed in Nelson and along with his brothers, owned the Brunner Seed Corn. He retired from Brunner Seed Corn in 1979 and continued dairy farming with his sons on the farm in rural Nelson.
Tony enjoyed working in his garden, especially with his special popcorn and raspberries. He also liked fishing, playing cards, hunting and watching the Packers. Most of all Tony loved spending time with his family and friends. Tony's faith was very important to him, he recited the Rosary everyday. Tony served as the Knights of Columbus Grand Knight for many years. Tony also served 22 years on the Countryside Coop. Board of Directors
Tony is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rheta, six children; Daniel (Connie) of Nelson, Peggy (Jerry) Buchholtz of Durand, Robert (Doreen) of Nelson, Nancy (Kip) Nussberger of Prentice, Julie (John) Meyer of Menomonie and Jeff (Lisa) of Nelson, 15 grandchildren; Jeremiah (Kelly), Jody (Jim), Jennifer (Josh), Justin (Stephanie), Christopher, Jerrod, Bradley, Nick, Trevor, Tanner, Kyle, Nataya, Timothy, Kylie and Lauren, two great grandchildren; Jack and Lexi, one sister; Genevieve Hayden of Durand, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters; Sr. Innocentia Brunner, Josephine Weiss and Gertrude Lecheler, six brothers; Matthew, Lawrence, Amandus, Francis, Cyril and Julius.