Franklin Bruneel

1935 - 2025

Franklin Bruneel

May 4, 1935 - December 9, 2025

Eagle , Idaho - Franklin Camiel Bruneel, age 90, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born May 4, 1935, in Boise, Idaho, he was the devoted husband of Sharon Smith Bruneel and father of Debra Fox (John), Lezlie Papworth (Jim), Vanessa Washington (Lee), Craig Bruneel (Pam), Frank W. Bruneel (Gaylene), Suzanne Martin (Trent), Alison Mumford (Brett), and Zachary Bruneel (Lisa).

Frank was born to Gerard Camiel Bruneel and Frances Lucille (nee Dobson) Bruneel on May 4, 1935. He grew up with a younger sister, Patricia Shippy (Roy), and younger brother Jerry Bruneel (Dede). His maternal grandfather, Frank Dobson (Lulu Miller), was an early cattle rancher in Star. His paternal grandfather, Camiel Bruneel (Maria Van Raes), emigrated from Belgium with his five children during World War I, and settled in Eagle, Idaho.

Frank attended Pierce Park Elementary, North Junior High, and graduated from Boise High School in 1953. He grew up fishing and duck hunting with friends along the Boise River and ice skating in the winter. He learned how to work as a kid and loved working hard.

Frank joined the ROTC in high school and was made battalion commander. He liked it so much, he joined the Idaho National Guard his senior year, Troop A, 116th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The job he enjoyed most in the National Guard was driving tanks. After several years, he went to Officer Training School at the Idaho Military Academy. He advanced to Second Lieutenant and was chosen as Honor Graduate of his class. Frank dedicated 13 years of service to the Idaho National Guard.

After high school graduation, Frank met Sharon Smith through mutual friends. They were married January 21, 1955, in Boise. He said many times, "I'd have married Sharon when I was twelve if I'd known her then."

In 1962, Frank and a partner bought a run-down tire recapping business in Caldwell and turned it into an immediate success. After three years, the partnership ended. Frank and Sharon moved to Lewiston with their five children. He started Bruneel Tire Service on Lewiston's G Street in 1966. Over time, the business expanded with stores in Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington. The business had a well-known advertising jingle that ended with the phrase, "We go, go, go, go … the extra mile."

As a way to get around to all the stores, Frank took flying lessons in 1971 and bought a Cessna. He often compared life to flying an airplane.

Frank became involved in local politics by joining the Lewiston School Board and the Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission. He became involved in politics when he was elected as a Republican member of the Idaho House of Representatives from Lewiston in 1994. He served in the Idaho Legislature until 2002 and served as the House Majority Leader for four years. Frank was appointed to the Idaho Transportation Board by Governor James Risch, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Board by Governor Dirk Kempthorne.

After his political service, Frank and Sharon moved to be closer to family, first to McCall, then Middleton, and most recently, Eagle.

None of Frank's achievements or successes mattered as much as his wife, 8 children, 46 grandchildren, and 72 great-grandchildren. Despite having a large posterity, he had a relationship with every single one of them. His influence will be missed, yet felt for generations.

Frank is survived by his wife, Sharon. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Bruneel, daughter Lezlie Ann Papworth, and great-grandson, Boston Warner.

Frank's funeral will be held December 22, 2025, at 11:00 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1133 N. Park Lane Eagle, Idaho. A visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:45 am prior to the service with a committal to follow the funeral service at Dry Creek Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com