Raymond J. Brunner, 96, of Springfield, IL passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Veteran’s Home in Quincy, IL. He was born in Springfield to Frank Brunner and Alma Kunkel Brunner on December 10, 1926, and they preceded him in death. He married Norma Jean Pamer on October 18, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Church.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Norma Jean; four children, Karen M. (Thomas) Hafel of Springfield, Sandra K. (Daniel) Verhasselt of Johnston, IA, Susan L. (Barry) Baatz of Springfield and Carol A. (John “Jay”) Parker of Pewee Valley, KY, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two sisters, Betty (David) Primm of Athens, Joann Barnes of Foristell, MO, one brother, John Brunner of Springfield, and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond was a member of St. Agnes Church. He was a Blender at Pillsbury retiring after 35 years of service. He also had volunteered at St. John’s Breadline and the Marian Center. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Illini Fan. He enjoyed raising livestock and exotic animals and working in his flower gardens. Although he was a hard worker and had many hobbies and projects, he always spent quality time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Gary M. Brunner, two brothers and two sisters.
Private family services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Quincy Veterans Home.
Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com
©2023 All Content Obituary Systems
Private family services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Quincy Veterans Home.
Help tell the story of Raymond's life by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Springfield
1109 South Fifth Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Sherman
2626 East Andrew Road
Sherman, IL 62684
Dan Frachey posted on 1/18/23
I offer my heartfelt condolence to Ray's wife and family. I knew Ray when I served as supervisor of the St. John's Breadline (1993-2002). He stands out in my mind as a kind, generous and good-humored person who was well-loved by our staff and his fellow volunteers. I hold one special memory of how Ray used to help the Breadline with one particular problem: several-day-old bread. We strived to cherish the gifts of breads and pastries from the area stores and sought never to throw it away in the garbage. We would pass these out to the "guests" we served but inevitably, there would always be some we just had to get rid of somehow and that's where Raymond came in. He urged us to make an extra stop at his (?) farm not far from Jefferson & Veterans Parkway. One day I traveled with Ray and the driver and as we approached, a great many goats came running from all over to savor some bread, doughnuts, cheesy bagels, etc. Ray said, "Yep, once the goats see the white of the delivery truck, they are on their way!" I laughed to see how our hungry audience enjoyed breakfast thanks to Ray. I have no doubt he's safe within the bosom of God's loving embrace. I'm grateful to have known him.