Duane Brunkow

Duane J. Brunkow, age 95, born December 4, 1928 to Arthur and Emma (Abitz) Brunkow of Duluth, Kansas: Was granted new life by passing from this world to the arms of his Redeemer on Saturday, November 16, 2024. His kind heart cherished sharing love and faith of his family.

Growing up within the Duluth community gave him many fond memories that he often told. Strangely enough, even though his wife, Eva Henneberg of Wheaton, Kansas, grew up only a few miles from Duane’s home, they never knew each other in their youth. With Duane’s graduation from Onaga High School he worked as a truck driver for a farmer nearer to Wheaton. This brought him near to Eva on a more regular basis and they became acquainted one day at a warm meeting in the town park. The Korean war required Duane to enlist in the Airforce and before he was stationed in France - they were married on March 6, 1951, in Odgen, Utah.

Upon completing his obligation with the Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Duane and Eva moved to Topeka, Kansas. Duane shortly thereafter became a letter carrier for the United States Post Office. He worked there for 30 years delivering mail in central Topeka and to the State Offices. Their home for the rest of his life was very close to Gage Park where (in retirement) he conducted the Gage Park mini-train. Duane calculated that if he could stretch all the miles out, he would have spanned the globe riding the train engine.

Duane always made time for his family and instilled a strong work ethic in his sons, Brian and Bradley, by partnering with them in their elementary and high school years mowing yards for elderly patrons that lived on his mail route. His extra moments outside of work were dedicated to family and helping with church duties at Faith Lutheran Church. Duane was a creative handyman who was ready to fix everything around the home and for others who needed help. His family time was dedicated to activities that brought happiness, fun, and memories.

Duane was an active member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and a union steward/representative even after retirement. He began his membership at Faith Lutheran Church shortly after the congregation was formed in Topeka.

He is survived by his wife Eva, sons: Brian (Rose), Topeka and Brad (Susan) Manhattan, KS. Grandchildren: Sheila (Kevin), Amanda (Matthew), Eric (MollyAnne), Kristen (Gabriel). Great Grandchildren: Adam, Lilly, Cooper, Wyatt, Leland, Zion and Victoria. Sister: Donna Eissler and brother-in-law George Welch as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. 

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas 66604. Burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery at 6th and Gage Blvd.

Memorials are designated to Faith Lutheran Church or the Topeka Rescue Mission.

May God grant you His Peace in your journey through this life unto your free share of the inheritance that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord, which Duane has received in his passing.

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