Dean L. Brunner, age 74 of Durand, died Sunday, July 11, 2021 at his home in Durand after a brief struggle with pancreatic cancer with his family by his side and under the loving care of Mayo Hospice.

Dean was born in Durand on September 14, 1946 to Hubert and Helen (Brantner) Brunner. He grew up on the family farm and attended Sacred Heart School at Holy Rosary Parish-Lima, graduating in 1964. Dean’s grandpa Brunner persuaded him to attend UW-Eau Claire and drove him to register for classes. He graduated in 1968 with a degree in math education and started his teaching career at Gilmanton High School. It was in Gilmanton that he met his future wife, Kay Anderson and they were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima on December 29, 1973. They were blessed with two sons, Jeremy and Christopher.

In 1979, Dean was offered a math position at Durand High School and the family moved to Durand, eventually building a house on a corner of the family farm. He retired in 2003, but after being a teacher substitute for two years, he jumped at the chance to return to Gilmanton for the next six years. He truly loved his profession and was always so appreciative of his former students making a point to thank him and share their life’s journey with him.

Dean enjoyed feeding the birds, planting, harvesting ginseng, ice fishing, gardening, sharing the fruits of his labor as well as the over abundance of pears from his favorite tree. These activities were always preceded by coffee and cards with his friends at the Corral Riverside Bar & Grill.

Dean is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kay; sons, Jeremy of New Brighton, MN and Christopher of Eau Claire; siblings, Dennis (Mary Ellen), David, Dale (Vickie), Ben (Sue), Maureen Kent, Bernie (Cheryl), Marcia (Rod) Berger, Bob (Nancy) and Bill; sisters-in-law, Judy Anderson, Mary (Jim) Anderson; many nieces, nephews, step-nieces, step-nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Helen Brunner; parents-in-law; Ellsworth and Eunice Anderson; brothers-in-law; Peter Kent and John Anderson and niece, Kassie Brunner.

Memorial Services will be 11:00AM Monday, July 19, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand. Rev. Timothy Reither will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00PM-8:00PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Andy Fenn April 1, 2022, at 12:53am

   Mr. Brunner was an outstanding teacher. For many students for whom math was not our favorite subject, Mr. Brunner always taught with the utmost patience. I always think of Dean Brunner whenever I hear the words "Pythagorean theorem"

2. Patti Blount August 19, 2021, at 12:40pm

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Dean. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

3. Erica Tealey July 29, 2021, at 9:58am

   Best wishes to the Brunner family. Mr. Brunner made me believe in the power of math, despite my obvious dislike. His humor and teaching methodologies convinced many a student that math is for everyone. Rest in peace.

4. Donna and Dennis sievwright July 19, 2021, at 6:31pm

   Dean will be missed by all and I will drill a extra hole in the ice for him

5. Dana L Ross July 19, 2021, at 9:15am

   Mr. Brunner was a wonderful teacher to me while I was his student at Gilmanton High School in the early 2000s. He was always cracking jokes and making all of us smile. I don't remember a day where he wasn't smiling and giggling. He was a gem and he will be missed - Dana (Serum) Ross

6. Paula Smith July 18, 2021, at 7:17pm

   I did not have Mr. Brunner for any classes but I always looked up to him as a teacher he was always interesting to watch and I enjoyed seeing him in the halls when I was in school and he would wave and say hi when he passed he was a very good teacher

7. Fred Ohlrogge July 18, 2021, at 5:09pm

   Blessings to you Kay and your family. May God walk with you in this new normal. I know how you feel. Dee has been gone physically 6 years but she is with me spiritually forever. Take care and God bless you and your memories. Fred

8. Pat Petrie / Kurth July 18, 2021, at 1:59pm

   Dearest sympathy goes to Kay and family. Dean was a fellow teacher of mine--one who was loved and respected by all. He had a fun sense of humor and a passion for teaching math to so many aspiring studentd. He will ne missed.

9. Jane Adler-Corning July 18, 2021, at 7:24am

   Brunner family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed Mr. Brunner. As a teacher, he understood when Math was difficult but always tried to help you understand it. He will be in good company with other DHS staff members in heaven. ???? Treasure your memories.

10. Dennis and Donna sievwright July 17, 2021, at 3:56pm

    May dean Rest In Peace we will all miss him and I will drill a hole in the ice for him for all the good memories

11. Deanna Rippley July 16, 2021, at 8:29am

    Dean was a wonderful person. We are better off for knowing him. A great communicator and a wonderful teacher.

12. Shirl Ruesch July 15, 2021, at 11:54am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dean many years ago in Durand. When I switched school districts, we would still run into each other at teachers’ convention. It was always so fun to catch up with him. He always had a great sense of humor and fun stories to share. Please accept my sincere sympathies. Shirl Ruesch

13. John & Monica Krings July 15, 2021, at 11:20am

    Our deepesst sympathy to your entire family. So young but the Lord must have needed him in heaven.

14. Barb Gibson July 15, 2021, at 7:05am

    My Sympathy Kay and Jeremy and Christopher. Dean will be in my prayers

15. patrick b brantner July 15, 2021, at 2:12am

    I'm very sorry for your loss

16. Bob and Mary Zika and Family July 14, 2021, at 10:17pm

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kay and family. Great friend and great teacher!

17. David and Anna Black July 14, 2021, at 9:38pm

    My sympathies to you Kay and your family. Such good memories of Mr. Brunner at DHS. It was an honor to of had him as a teacher for our children as well. My respect for him prevents me from calling him Dean. May sound silly, but sincerely meant “ya know!”

18. Nick and Sue Sperger July 14, 2021, at 9:28pm

    Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

19. Theresa (Brantner) Pitts July 14, 2021, at 9:19pm

    So sorry for your loss of Dean, husband, father, brother and cousin. Even though we have been distant over the years we still have the memories of growing up together. God Bless you all.

20. Courtney Kent and Jonathan Fowler July 14, 2021, at 3:34pm

    We are deeply sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers.

21. Tim Tschumperlin July 14, 2021, at 10:37am

    I was so sad to hear this news. Dean was a great person. He was my Geometry teacher at DHS in the 1980's. He was kind, caring and had a great sense of humor. His positive qualities made school fun and one of the reasons I went into education. Please let us know what we can do to help you in this difficult time.

22. Peggy Mahnken (Berg) July 13, 2021, at 9:12pm

    I am so Sorry to Hear Of Dean's Passing...Prayer To You Kay and Your Sons and the whole Family

23. Sharon Boyd July 13, 2021, at 7:50pm

    So sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Thoughts and prayers to Kay and her family.

24. Suzie McGee Wiskow July 13, 2021, at 4:28pm

    So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing! Condolences to Kay and family.

25. Bonnie Brixen Steiner July 13, 2021, at 2:59pm

    Jerry and I send our sincere sympathy to all. Cherish the memories. Keeping everyone in our prayers.

26. Rick and Lynda Condon July 13, 2021, at 1:50pm

    I am so sorry to learn about Dean's passing! I pray that each of you will find comfort and joy in your memories of Dean and Dean's soul will RIP. siw

27. Jenny Tulip July 13, 2021, at 11:59am

    Dean was terrific man - truly grateful to have known him as a teacher and loved running into him around town. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Brunner family.

28. Barb Werlein July 13, 2021, at 10:52am

    So sorry to hear of Dean's passing.You are all in my prayers for peace. Dean was a wonderful math teacher to my girls. I used to tease him him that my 3rd daughter wouldn't have him do to his retiring. I will miss his shilling face.

29. Rita Lyon July 13, 2021, at 10:10am

    Sending caring thoughts n prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
    Our Deepest Sympathy
    Tom n Rita Lyon

30. Teresa Odegard July 13, 2021, at 8:42am

    So sorry for your loss. I was lucky to have Mr. Brunner as a math teacher in Gilmanton. He was a great teacher.

31. Shary (Risler) Klopp July 13, 2021, at 8:11am

    Deepest sympathy to Kaye and family. I was a classmate at Lima. Enjoyed his sense of humor when we worked together at one of our class reunions.

32. Beth Zahara July 13, 2021, at 7:19am

    I , too, was lucky enough to have Dean as a teacher. He was an inspiration for all his students. My Thots and prayers are with the family.

33. John and Judy Parr July 13, 2021, at 6:34am

    Hugs to all with sympathy

34. Mark Bjorgo July 12, 2021, at 11:14pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. May you have peace and comfort in your fond memories. He will always be remembered as a great teacher and role model for me.

35. Diana Thompson July 12, 2021, at 10:46pm

    My condolences to you Kay and your family.

36. Sharon Bauer July 12, 2021, at 10:08pm

    My deepest sympathy to the families.

37. James Fedie July 12, 2021, at 10:07pm

    Mr. Brunner will be missed but never forgotten. My love for math and expertise definitely stem from how great a teacher he was.

    Prayers and thoughts to all family and friends of one of my favorite teachers.

38. John and Patty Wayne July 12, 2021, at 9:33pm

    Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to you and your family.
    Had many wonderful talks with Dean over the years. Will miss his humor and him giving me a hard time.

39. Colleen And Tom Garnevicus July 12, 2021, at 9:30pm

    Dean was the nicest of men, loved by all who knew him. We are so sorry Kay and family! You are in our prayers.

40. Patricia Bauer July 12, 2021, at 9:19pm

    We are so sorry to hear about Dean , such a nice guy. He will be missed by many and we want to give you our Sympathy ! Kay and family are i our prayers.
    Dave and Pat Bauer

41. Dan & Jane Weisenbeck July 12, 2021, at 8:44pm

    Sorry for your loss! Prayers for all the Brunner family.

42. Kelly Klingbeil July 12, 2021, at 8:38pm

    So sad about your loss!!! He was an excellent teacher. I learned alot from him, and got a pencil from him once, for answering a question in class!

43. JJ Levenske July 12, 2021, at 7:58pm

    My deepest condolences. One of the most influential teachers I had in Durand. God Speed

44. Rebecca Petfalski (Fedie) July 12, 2021, at 7:05pm

    I am so sorry for your loss and will always rembember how he helped me understand algebra. He was a great man and a great teacher. He will be missed.

45. Laura Biesterveld July 12, 2021, at 6:43pm

    Dean was a very special teacher. He really knew how to engage with students and built great relationships. I remember him fondly. Sending my sympathies to the family.

46. Brenda schroeder July 12, 2021, at 6:10pm

    I enjoyed working with Dean. So sorry for your loss.

47. Rebecca Bien-Jilek July 12, 2021, at 6:06pm

    My deepest sympathies to Mr. Brunner’s family. He was such a kind man and the best teacher! He will be missed!

48. Janelle Risler & David Risler July 12, 2021, at 5:53pm

    Our Deepest sympathies to Kay and family. Dean was an around good guy. We will be out of town at the time of the funeral, know that we will be thinking of you.

49. Larry & Carol Prissel July 12, 2021, at 5:42pm

    Kay and all the Family have our Sympathy

50. Sharol Molland July 12, 2021, at 5:35pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at the loss of Dean. Praying for peace and comfort in the weeks and months to come.

51. Rick and Carol Richardson July 12, 2021, at 5:33pm

    Sympathy and peace to all.

52. Rose Sabelko July 12, 2021, at 5:29pm

    Deepest sympathy, Kay and Family of Dean. Keeping you in prayers ????

53. Lois (Myers) Hanson July 12, 2021, at 5:22pm

    I was lucky to have Dean as a teacher in Gilmanton. Deepest sympathy Kay and family.

54. Jean Gardner July 12, 2021, at 5:19pm

    Sorry for the loss of Dean. Condolences and prayers to family and friends. May he RIP!

55. Bob & Mary Milliren July 12, 2021, at 5:18pm

    Our deepest sympathy.

    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
    And let the perpetual light shine upon him.
    And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

56. ED NELSON July 12, 2021, at 5:06pm

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kay and family.

57. Marty & Diane Prissel July 12, 2021, at 5:01pm

    Our deepest sympathy to all the families ????????

58. Carol Hunter July 12, 2021, at 4:53pm

    My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of Your family. He was a great man. God bless all of you.

59. Patricia Frion July 12, 2021, at 4:24pm

    So sorry for your loss. He also was one fantastic roller skater. Many fond memories.

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