Doyle Ray Brunsen

We are deeply saddened by the death of Doyle Brunsen, who lost his courageous battle with cancer on September 14, 2024. He was born in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. After High School graduation in 1975, he served in the Army and later in the Army Reserve. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and joined the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality now Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) where he worked until his retirement in 2023. As a dedicated professional, he was proud to support the environmental and regulatory efforts of the State of Michigan to protect natural resources, especially the wetlands, lakes, and streams. His integrity, reliability, and dedication could be seen in all aspects of life.
His love of nature also found expression in his passion for gardening and maintaining the domestic landscape in an environmentally sound manner. He loved sharing the joys of being outside on the deck and in the garden with his family.
He and his wife, Karin Wurst, marked their 40th wedding anniversary this year. Doyle was a devoted family man and proud father to his son, Benjamin. In their childhood, his son, nieces, and nephews remember him fondly as a dedicated "playmate." Doyle loved to spend holidays at home and the family enjoyed entertaining. The family liked travelling to their favorite spots in northern Michigan, Chicago, and Southern California.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father (Roxanne and Alfred Brunsen). Doyle is survived by his wife Karin, his son Benjamin, his brothers Allen and Mike Brunsen, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Silvia and Bernard Tyran.
A private family celebration of life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.