Robert P. “Bob” Brunke of Walbridge, OH died November 10, 2014, at Orchard Villa in Oregon, OH. Bob was born February 5, 1929 in Toledo, Ohio to Gustave and Gertrude (Kahlenberg) Brunke. He grew up on Toledo’s East Side and attended Waite High School. Bob served with the U.S. Army’s 866th Engineering Aviation Battalion in Chateauroux, France, and other bases, during the Korean War era. After his military service, he worked for New York Central Railroad until his retirement in 1991.
In 1956, Bob married Elizabeth “Liz” Dauster and they made their home in Millbury, OH. Their daughter Kellie was born in 1964. Theirs was a family of strong faith which helped them through some trying times, especially the death of Kellie in 1973. Bob was a devout Christian and was very active in his church. He particularly enjoyed his Tuesday card-playing sessions and going to lunch with “the gang”. Bob was also a member of the Oregon YMCA where he enjoyed swimming and other exercise. He often referred to the other members as his “family” and truly enjoyed their fellowship. It was his home away from home.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and daughter, sister Betty Marie Mohler, and brother John Brunke. He is survived by his sister-in-law Emma (Dave) Hull, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Orchard Villa and Hospice of NW Ohio. A memorial service will be held at Heritage Christian Church, 1640 S. Coy Rd, Oregon, OH at 11:00 AM Friday, December 5, 2014, where the family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. A private military service will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg, OH. Arrangements were entrusted to Freck Funeral Chapel.
Those wishing to honor Bob’s memory may do so at Heritage Christian Church (419-691-1048) http://www.heritagechristianchurch.com or Hospice of NW Ohio (419-661-4001) http://www.hospicenwo.org/.