Steven D. Brunner's Obituary
Steven Donald Brunner, age 71, of Waupaca, WI, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at ThedaCare Medical Center in Berlin, WI. He was born on June 17, 1953 in Manitowoc, WI, the son of Donald and Florence (Gosz) Brunner. The Brunner family moved from Brillion, WI to Waupaca in 1955.
Steve built a wonderful life filled with hard work, fun, mischief, and laughter.
Above all Steve was devoted to his family.
He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1972 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI.
On August 20, 1976 Steve married the love of his life, Debra M. Brodnicki, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Together, they made Waupaca their home, creating a lifetime of treasured memories both at home and boating on the Chain ‘O Lakes.
Steve spent his entire working career as an Industrial Engineer Manager with the Waupaca Foundry. Retiring in 2017 after 38 years.
Steve was a man of deep faith, love, kindness, and generosity. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and Papa, he found his greatest joy in raising his two children, Nicholas and Emily, and spending cherished time in his workshop working together on numerous projects. One of his greatest roles was that of Papa to his two beloved grandsons, Bo and Baron, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.
Steve was a caregiver to all, a prince among men, and a steadfast friend. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his best friend, teammate and wife of 49 years, Debra Brunner of Waupaca; his children, Nicholas Donald Brunner of Waupaca and Emily Rose (William “Billy” Clifford IV) Rodgers of Minnetrista, MN; two cherished grandsons, William “Bo” Clifford Rodgers V and Baron Donald Rodgers; and his siblings, Susie (Bill) Stark of Madison, Tom (Lynn) Brunner of Wausau, Mary Jo Brunner of Manitowoc, and Patrice (Bob) Klimoski of Sturgeon Bay. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Donald (Margaret) Brunner; his mother, Florence Brunner; and in-laws Victoria and George Dobson.
A Funeral Service for Steve will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12:00 Noon at Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleum, 2601 South 14th Street, Manitowoc, WI, with Father Doug LeCaptain officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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