Irvin Brunner
Marion building contractor Irvin Joseph Brunner, 61, died Feb. 7, 2003, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion.
Born Nov. 7, 1941, near Ramona, he was the son of the late Solomon and Hanna (Langhofer) Brunner.
He was educated at Ramona and in the Centre Unified School District where he excelled in athletics and academics.
He was captain of the varsity basketball team and vice president of the 1959 senior class, the first class to graduate from CHS. He also was president of the Ramona Red Chiefs 4-H Club.
He then played basketball while attending Casper College in Wyoming.
Due to his father's declining health, he moved closer home to enroll at Emporia State University, working nights and weekends for Slusser Drilling Co.
He served in the Army Reserve for eight months during the Vietnam War and rose to the rank of First Sergeant.
On Sept. 3, 1966, he married Marilyn "Tudy" McDiffett at Herington. The couple had four daughters, Wendy Lynn, Jamie Lee, Amy Meredith, and Paige Kay.
In 1971 he purchased and operated East Trapp Standard service station at Herington. And in 1975 he began his life-long love of carpentry and contracting. He was noted for quality construction and built a lucrative business on his reputation.
His hobbies included gardening, golf, hunting, fishing, and making sausage.
His daughter Jamie Lee died at birth in 1968 and he also was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
Survivors include his wife, Tudy, of the home in Marion; daughters, Wendy Youk and Paige Schneider of Marion, and Amy White of Pratt; brothers Omer of Owasso, Okla., and James of Ramona; sisters, Neva Applegate of Marion, Joan Gillett of Casper, Wyo., and Karen Mowat of Marion; and one granddaughter.
Services were held Tuesday afternoon at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastors John Ryding and Eugene Hicks officiating.
Music was provided by soloist Greg Carlson and the congregation with Lori Molderhauer, the organist.
Casketbearers were Mark Applegate, Lynn Applegate, Paul Hajek, Randy Kelsey, Kenny Stoda, and Adam McDiffett.
Honorary bearers were Harlow Warneke, Gene Schlesener, Harvey Sanders, Mike Mowatt, Darrel Heslet, Bob Martin, Kevin Jirak, Art Stroda, Harold Ohm, Dave Crofoot, Lauren Brunner, and Bob Gillett.
Burial was in Lewis Cemetery, Ramona, with military honors provided by a squad from Fort Riley.
Memorial funds have been established in his name at Marion Country Club. Trinity Lutheran Church, and Our Savior Lutheran Church.
