George Brunjes Obituary

George Richard Brunjes, Jr. passed on peacefully at his home in Dana Point CA on April 15, 2016 surrounded by his beloved family after a sudden and brief illness. He was born in Norwalk CT Feb. 15, 1926 to George Richard Brunjes, Sr. and Dorothy Ogden Burr Brunjes. He married Winifred Gertrude Toth on Dec. 7, 1946 with whom he remained in love for 70 years. They had 4 children, Dana Burr (Esbensen), Peter Richard Brunjes, David Wynn Brunjes, and Lisa Beth (Jaenicke). He graduated from Yale University with a BA 1951 and MArch 1954. Richard practiced architecture for 40 years, at Eliot Noyes' office in New Canaan CT; with Henry Klumb in Puerto Rico from 1959-1968; and with Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago IL as corporate architect from 1968-1994. Dick and Winnie lived in Lake Bluff IL for 46 years, and enjoyed winters in Dana Point CA since 1990. Richard is survived by his wife, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. He will be missed very much by all of them. A private memorial service will be held by the family to celebrate Richard's wonderful life.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for George Brunjes

11 Entries

Lisa Jaenicke

April 18, 2025

We miss you, Dad. you left us too soon at 90, so full of life and incredible experiences until the illness that took you from us. We are taking good care of your beloved wife and friend, Winnie, our mother, who is still a most lovely woman. You are really missed.

Jim Greene

April 17, 2025

Dick was a wonderfully kind, thoughtful and helpful person. He was never to busy to tack time for you. Just seeing his nabe pop up today brought back a flood of wonderful memories.

Lisa Jaenicke

April 17, 2020

Remembering Dad as the Brunjes family gathered today, via Zoom video conference, to celebrate the firstborn Dana Burrs 70th birthday! We covered 5 states and 1 from Switzerland. Mom, Winnie, really enjoyed seeing and chatting with everyone. She expressed deep gratitude for her late husband and the healthy happy family that has sprung forth from their union. We wish the whole extended Brunjes, Burr, Toth, Jaenicke, Abbott, Shaw, Esbensen, Newton, Moller Dallas and other families safe shelter, love and patience through these unprecedented times. As Dad liked to quote, This too will pass. Love you still and forever, Dad!

Lisa Jaenicke

May 2, 2016

So grateful to be hearing from Dad's former work associates on Legacy.com and affirming the impact this great man had on others' lives. Thank you for sharing your remembrances.

May 1, 2016

I worked with Dick for many years at Abbott. He had the respect and friendship of the countless people with whom he came in contact. He was a tremendous asset to Abbott and to us as individuals. My sympathy to you, Winnie, and to the whole family.

Bob Coates

April 30, 2016

THIS is my father, and oh how much he was loved and admired by many, yet, humbly, he never sought fame, though he well deserved it! He was kind and generous, hard-working and dedicated to his craft, open to a world of learning. He passionately sought to capture family, life, travel, nature, architecture and design on film, and took great joy in everyday humor and joviality. He taught us a solid work ethic, integrity, discipline, and joy... and from elders to infants he shared his love and care.

Thank you all who are sharing memories and condolences as we see that he was the same man in his career as we knew him personally.

Day, you are so very much missed. So sorry you had to go, but I do believe I will indeed see you again, someday.

Your youngest,
Lisa Beth

Harry Pettengill

April 29, 2016

I was one of the legions who shared the privilege of working with and knowing Dick at Abbott. I will always recall his wisdom, grace, and good humor, and will miss those greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

James Greene

April 28, 2016

Dick was one of the first persons to welcome me when I joined Abbott Corporate Engineering in the summer of 1974. He took the time to stop by my office, introduce himself and made the offer to assist me in my career in Corporate Engineering. He remained a wonderful friend and colleague throughout the years. My best wishes to Winnie and the entire family during this difficult time. God bless you all.

Peter Brunjes

April 25, 2016

Richard was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on February 15, 1926, to George Richard Brunjes, Sr. and Dorothy Ogden Burr Brunjes. He was the third of 4 siblings and the first son. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1943 and joined the Naval Air Corps to become a floatplane pilot, and developed a lifelong passion of music. He was married on December 7, 1946, to his teenage sweetheart, Winifred Gertrude Toth, with whom he remained in love for 70 years. They had 4 children, Dana Burr (Esbensen), Peter Richard Brunjes, David Wynn Brunjes, and Lisa Beth (Jaenicke). He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1951 and a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1954, which was officially upgraded to a Masters of Architecture in 1974. He also received several awards and recognition for outstanding designs.

Richard practiced architecture for the next 40 years, starting at Eliot Noyes' office in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he worked on the early IBM offices and designed and built clients' homes by hand in the vicinity. In 1959, he moved his young family to Puerto Rico to work with Henry Klumb, a noted associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, and to study formed concrete structures. He built his own concrete home in the hills above Rio Piedras, outside San Juan, from 1964 to 1966. In 1968, he accepted a position with Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Illinois, as their corporate architect. Having designed medical laboratories and facilities in Puerto Rico, he managed the engineering division of more than 20 specialists. Richard traveled around the world multiple times and to over 30 different countries during the next 25 years, working on dozens of manufacturing plants and offices, and helping to develop and improve product delivery and the Abbott brand. He served on the Lake Bluff Architectural Review Board for many years, and was an accomplished barbershop quartet singer.

Dick and Winnie lived in Lake Bluff, Illinois, during this time, in the same big old house on 400 East Center Avenue for 46 years. He retired in 1994 to travel extensively with his wife, to visit their growing family of grand and great grandchildren, and to build another addition to their home. They lived in Dana Point, California, during the winters from 1994 on, in a sunny condo overlooking the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the balmy weather and panoramic views.

Richard's passions were his family, sports cars, remodeling and building projects at home, photography, hardware and tools. He had a keen wit, great sense of humor, a Yankee's drive, discipline and thrift, an extraordinary intelligence and capacity for learning, and a deep appreciation for science, rationality, and common sense. He had a commanding but friendly manner and was deeply respected and fondly loved by all with whom he worked and interacted, and by his large family.

Richard is survived by his wife, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, the youngest of which bears his name and that of his father, George Richard Brunjes, former Mayor of Norwalk, Connecticut. Richard will be missed very much by all of them.

BW~

April 23, 2016

My deepest condolences to the entire Brunjes family. May you take comfort in James 1:13 that shows that God did not cause this pain. May your joy replace your pain with cherished memories of your beloved George.

April 23, 2016

"Draw close to God and he will draw close to you." And may the love of your family and friend carry you through your grief at this time.

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