John D. Brunker, Sr.

1959 - 2015

John D. Brunker, Sr. obituary, 1959-2015, Portage, IN

John D. Brunker, Sr.

1959 - 2015

BORN

1959

DIED

2015

John D. Brunker, Sr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 23, 2015.
JOHN D. BRUNKER, SR., age 55, of Chesterton, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2015, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Gary on August 28, 1959 to the late George and Norma Brunker. He was employed as a truck driver for Oil Tech. John enjoyed working on cars and truck driving. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife of over 34 years, Helen (nee Maneno); son, John Brunker, Jr. of Portage; 2 daughters, Dorothy Brunker (Mauricio Sosa) of Chesterton and Dawn Brunker (Justin) Murphy of South Haven; 4 grandchildren, Destiny and Tyler Millender and Jocylin McMeans and Madaline Murphy; 3 brothers, Elvin (Pat) Brunker of Amarillo, TX, Harold (Wanda) Brunker of Cedar Lake, and Jerry Brunker of Chesterton; 3 sisters, Erma (Ed) Howard of South Haven, Arletta (Bob) Foster of Lake Station, and Sheri Brunker of Portage; many nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his 3 brothers, George, Bill and Ted Brunker and 1 sister, Linda Sitar.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John's family.

There will be a visitation for John at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Craig Forwalter officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Please call (219) 762-3013 or go online to extend condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

Sign John D. Brunker, Sr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 17, 2019

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2016

HELEN BRUNKER posted to the memorial.

February 17, 2019

I miss you so much this does not get easier dad RIP Love Dorothy Mae

February 24, 2016

I can't believe we have been without you for a year dad :( This has been the hardest year of my life . I miss and love you so much I just hope you know that . Rip dad love always DorothyMae

HELEN BRUNKER

February 23, 2016

IT'S BEEN A YEAR ALREADY. TIME HAS SURE FLYED BY.MISS YOU AS MUCH TODAY AS THE DAY YOU WENT AWAY.HOPING YOU GOT TO SEE EVERYBODY UP THERE.BUT WE SURE MISS YOU HERE.LOVE YOUR WIFE HELEN BRUNKER

Dorothy Sosa

February 14, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day dad ! I miss you so much. I wish you could be here with us . Love you dad

helen brunker

January 22, 2016

well its been 11 months today had all the holidays without you this past year.was very hard to do but made through .we all miss you very dearly . miss you bunches.love HELEN BRUNKER

January 1, 2016

Destiny Millender


December 25, 2015 at 8:37am

.
There is an AMAZING man I call my papa! And he loved Christmas and I'm going to try my hardest to not cry but all I can think about is his smile ☺ it brightened my day honestly , and I'd do anything to see it just one last time !! He meant and still does mean the world to me! Ima keep the family together papa just like you would want ima take care of nana , the kids and the grandkids ! Ima do amazing just like you were and did ! You were such a happy person , you never failed to amaze me , your jokes , you loved joking with people ❤❤ lol I'm staying strong for you and ima make you proud!! It's the first Christmas without you , and it's not the same ! you will FOREVER be my angel R.I.P handsome until we will definitely meet at the gates of heaven! I love and miss you so very much !! BY DESTINY MILLENDER

helen brunker

December 22, 2015

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

HELEN BRUNKER

December 22, 2015

On February 22, 2015 at 7:23 a.m the most amazing man in my life left me it's been 10 months and let me tell you this, it doesn't get easier , not one bit! I've sat in my room in complete dark wondering why they took you so soon? You didn't deserve this ! You were such an number 1, best, most amazing, wonderfulest, hardworking papa,dad,uncle,cousin,friend, etc out there ! And anyone who didn't know you trust me if they did , they would love you just like me and everyone else did❤ you never let anyone down , and you never failed to amaze me! This cancer finally kicked your butt, and trust me i hate myself knowing I couldn't do anything to help you , but I always got you things like your ice water , I always helped you to the bathroom ! I would do anything for you and I still will to this day! I feel like the doctors didn't do all they actually could for you ! And I hate myself for that also, sometimes seeing how they treated you I just wanted to go up to them and scream in their face maybe even punch them ! Christmas is going to be the most hardest without you here if I could have one wish it would be to bring you back ! This is not fair ! All I want is you to be here, especially now when I need you the most!! You would be so proud of jocylin she is almost 12 , Tyler his birthday just passed he is 14 now and me, my birthday was a month ago , im 16 and maddy she is almost 3 already and she knows you, it's like she can see you every time she sees a picture of you , she always points and says papa you are still on my mind 24/7 you are
never replaced !! I love you so very much my handsome angel you are forever my angel , fly high until we will definitely meet again at the gates I'm trying to stay strongjust for you but I miss you dearly
02-22-15~12-22-15 BY DESTINY MILLENDER

Dorothy Mae Sosa

November 25, 2015

I still can't believe your gone dad! Your birthday was hard . And our birthdays were hard not having you here or you calling . But yesterday on Destiny's 16th was the hardest you not being here to see her turn 16 . And her get a job you would be proud Now it's the holidays and it just don't seem right w out you . Love and miss you

HELEN BRUNKER

November 10, 2015

still always thinking about you every day my heart aches with out you love your WIFE HELEN BRUNKER

helen brunker

September 15, 2015

finally got your birthday pic we all celebrated on here with love helen brunker happy belated birthday

dawn murphy

September 4, 2015

Dad I still can't believe ur gone our bdays passed and nothing like it should be nothing will ever be right with out u I love u dad until we meet again: (

i love and miss you so very much papa!!

Destiny Millender

August 22, 2015

Destiny Millender

August 22, 2015

Today my papa has been gone 6 months I miss him more and more everyday!! I would give anything to see him one last time!! none of us were ready for him to go!! But I know he is not in any pain anymore and not suffering we Will meet again here soon, but for now I'm going to be the beautiful young and smart grand daughter he knows me as!! so fly high amongst the angels and own it up there R.I.P papa! ! I love and miss you so very much!!
02-22-15 08-22-15

helen brunker

August 22, 2015

today you been going six whole monthes .seems like yesterday love and miss you everyday.your wife helen

helen brunker

August 6, 2015

helen brunker

July 22, 2015

FEB 26


I know it hasn't been that long since you have been gone! It's been like almost 24 hours but I don't want to think that your gone papa! I came downstairs and I didn't see you , I looked all around and I started balling my eyes out ! I miss you so much papa! This is really hurting me knowing your gone, your still in my heart forever and always ! At least your not suffering any more! But It's gonna take me a while before I stop crying. I'm going to cry everyday ! An every month! I will see you soon again papa! fly high amongst the angels! i know your looking over me and watching me! Im going to make you proud of me papa! I promise! R.I.P papa I love
destiny

helen brunker

July 22, 2015

feb 25


I know it hasn't been that long since you have been gone! It's been like almost 24 hours but I don't want to think that your gone papa! I came downstairs and I didn't see you , I looked all around and I started balling my eyes out ! I miss you so much papa! This is really hurting me knowing your gone, your still in my heart forever and always ! At least your not suffering any more! But It's gonna take me a while before I stop crying. I'm going to cry everyday ! An every month! I will see you soon again papa! fly high amongst the angels! i know your looking over me and watching me! Im going to make you proud of me papa! I promise! R.I.P papa I love

helen brunker

July 22, 2015

FEB 23

I know it hasn't been that long since you have been gone! It's been like almost 24 hours but I don't want to think that your gone papa! I came downstairs and I didn't see you , I looked all around and I started balling my eyes out ! I miss you so much papa! This is really hurting me knowing your gone, your still in my heart forever and always ! At least your not suffering any more! But It's gonna take me a while before I stop crying. I'm going to cry everyday ! An every month! I will see you soon again papa! fly high amongst the angels! i know your looking over me and watching me! Im going to make you proud of me papa! I promise! R.I.P papa I love
BY DESTINY

helen brunker

July 22, 2015

you left 5 months ago today. I miss every day your gone.love your wife helen

our kids with you

helen brunker

July 11, 2015

helen brunker

July 11, 2015

Dorothy Sosa

July 10, 2015

I miss you so much dad ... Things are not the same you were the rock !Hope you are dancing up there love you more then you will ever know Dorothy Mae

SHERI BRUNKER

June 15, 2015

REST IN PEACE BIG BROTHER MAY THE ANGELS GUIDE U AN KEEP U IN THERE ARMS.

are grandbabies they are getting so big

April 23, 2015

helen brunker

April 23, 2015

miss you don't no what I'm going to do with out you but will figure it out love your wife always and forever.

helen brunker

February 27, 2015

to my husband you will be missed luv you

Kelly K. RN

February 26, 2015

It was a privilege to take care of John, and to meet his loving family.I hope you can find some comfort knowing he was at home surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

Donna (Lahaie) Garza,

February 26, 2015

May peace be with you John. And to the family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. God bless you all.

Carol Ann Costa

February 26, 2015

Remembering John's caring thoughts.
A donation: Salvation Army.

February 26, 2015

May you rest in peace. My prayers go out to the entire family in their time of need

Jocylin mcmeans

February 25, 2015

My papa was the greatest man in the world. He took the good with the bad and never gave up.

Elizabeth Walker

February 25, 2015

You never met me, but my mother is rose. I'm really sorry for your pain & suffering. May you rest in peace

Dorothy Mae

February 25, 2015

I miss you so much dad ... I don't know how I am going to keep going everyday :( you r an amazing husband father papa and friend I love you so much daddy rest in paradise daddy

Tyler Millender

February 25, 2015

I love and miss u papa at least your not in ni more pain i love u papa!!

Emily Brunker

February 25, 2015

Heaven gained one beautiful angel. Prayers and thoughts go out to all his loved ones. RIP.

Erik Gutierrez

February 25, 2015

I'm going to miss you uncle John, you was a heck of a guy man, your no longer in pain..R.I.P

cheri kleckner

February 25, 2015

He was a good guy! RIP John I want to tell family Good luck!

christine howard

February 25, 2015

You will be missed...

Tammy Millender

February 25, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to you all,

Tammy Millender

February 25, 2015

My thoughts and prays go out to you all. May you find peace and comfort knowing you have a wonderful guardian angel watching over you

February 25, 2015

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

dorothy brunker

February 25, 2015

I miss you so much dad I can't even tell you how much I love you I would do anything to get you back .... love always Dorothy Mae

Amber Mitchell

February 25, 2015

In my thoughts and prays dawn and John and family stay strong

Destiny Millender

February 25, 2015

This was my papa he was so amazing , wonderful, loving , outgoing and an out of this world BEST PAPA ever! I miss him so muchhe was t everything, my life , my best friend ! He understood me , and he was there for me through everything ! Everyone who knew him knew how amazing he was, and if you didn't know him , if you got to know him, you would see how amazing he was! Whatever he set his hear to he accomplished ! He is gone but NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER forgotten! He is dearly missed I have so many memories with him , he was like a father to me! I CAN'T believe he is gone I miss and love you papa forever and always !

Kelly Howard

February 25, 2015

Love you Uncle John..RIP

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Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage

5341 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368

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Sign John D. Brunker, Sr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 17, 2019

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2016

HELEN BRUNKER posted to the memorial.