Edward A. Brunner M.D. Ph.D.

Edward A. Brunner, M.D., Ph.D., age 96 of Morton Grove, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 18, 1929, in Erie, PA, to Albert & Mary (née Alberstadt) Brunner. Ed lived a life full of love, laughter, faith, and intellectual pursuit. What mattered most to Ed was God and his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Mary (née Pharr), and was the proud father of Anne Marie (Rich), Bunny (Tom), Ted (Marie), Jack (the late Herb), Joy (Joe), Joe (Shayne), Julie, Jeanne (Dar'Keith), Jill (Charlie), and the late Jeremy (Heather). The role he cherished above all was that of Papa to his 17 grandchildren, Nicky (Matt), Michelle (Noe), EdieMarie, Luke, Ginny, Joey, Charlotte, Chloe, Abby, Theo, Jocelyn, Phoenix, Lucy, Matthew, Maggie, Sebastian, and Auggie, and his great-grandson, Henry, with two more great-grandchildren on the way.
Ed was a Korean War era ensign in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Villanova University and received his M.D. and Ph.D. in pharmacology from Hahnemann Medical School (now Drexel) in Philadelphia. Ed's career brought him to Chicago in 1966 to become a founding member of the Anesthesia Department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was a pioneer in the field of anesthesia and trained generations of anesthesiologists who now practice around the country. In 1970 he was named Chairman of the department, a role he served in for 25 years. He was also the inaugural James Eckenhoff Professor of Anesthesia at Northwestern University School of Medicine. He continued his relationship with the university as a member of the medical faculty until 2002. He served in leadership roles in numerous professional organizations throughout his career.
Ed filled life with humor, heart, and a spark all his own. He could be found on Saturdays cheering on Northwestern Football and on Sundays watching the Chicago Bears with his family. He was an avid reader, gardener, and lifelong learner and educator. Ed was a devoted Catholic, and his faith guided his life. He was an avid participant in Fr. Welsh's Bible Study class at St. Lambert Church. He was active in the pro-life movement and a long-term member of the St. Lambert faith community. He was involved in the Skokie community, including an eight-year stint on the Skokie District 73.5 school board, and was proud to be the first dad who was a "Picture Lady" at Middleton Elementary.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Brunner; younger brother, Rev. Joseph Brunner; sister, Annamarie Boudreau; and brother, Donald Brunner.
Visitation, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.
Funeral, Wednesday, November 12, at 9:30 a.m., from the funeral home, for Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., at St. Lambert Church of Ss. Peter & Lambert Catholic Parish, 8148 Karlov Ave., Skokie.
Interment, Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, Niles.
In lieu of flowers, please share a memory with the family, or, if you are so inclined, please consider a memorial contribution to The Women's Centers of Chicago or the Niles Township Food Pantry.
Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward, please visit our floral store.