Gregory Lee Brunkow

Gregory Lee Brunkow, 69, passed on February 16, 2025 at Liberty Hospital with his wife Christine (Tina) and daughter Meredith, family and dear friends at his side.
Greg was born March 20, 1955, in Onaga, Kansas. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Onaga High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technology from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.
In 1977 he began his career as a Manufacturing Engineer at the Ford Motor KC Assembly Plant, retiring after 37 years. He also worked at the Lorain Assembly Plant in Lorain, Ohio and at the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. He was involved in the production of numerous vehicles throughout his career. He later worked as a Squeak and Rattle Prevention Engineer performing tests and analyzing data to improve the quality of vehicles. He received numerous awards and recognition for his expertise. He traveled to Mexico, England, Belgium and Japan, assisting with various launches.
Greg was admired for being calm, patient and mild-mannered. A kind-hearted and gentle soul, he exuded generosity, optimism and intelligence in all he did. Whether in his work or personal life, he approached everything with dedication and a strong work ethic. Greg had a talent for sharing captivating stories-from his childhood days on the farm, to mischievous adventures with his high school friends in the old stone house, to his experiences as a recreational pilot. He also cherished the freedom of riding both his motorcycle and dirt bike, embracing life's simple joys.
After Tina learned Greg could make a delicious cheesecake at a progressive dinner, their relationship sparked and they were married on September 3, 1983. Both pursued their careers until God had other plans. Their daughter Meredith was born in 1991. Greg loved Meredith with every ounce of his being and was involved in every aspect of her life. He took immense pride in his role as a father, fostering her love of reading from an early age, providing unwavering support with homework, practicing piano together and actively participating in and volunteering for church, school, 4-H and community events. He was always there for both Tina and Meredith and they were his main priority. He was a great listener and always looked for the silver lining. Greg was the navigator on trips across the country to historical sites, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, Harry Potter World and so many other places where the family made lifelong memories. Together the family traveled to Poland and Tina and Meredith joined Greg on his trips to Europe and Japan.
Greg enjoyed woodworking and turned his interest into a hobby. He started collecting radios and would restore the radios to working order. He loved being outdoors, planting trees and gardens. He had a fondness for animals and especially loved his basset hound Romeo. Greg would often be found asleep in the hammock with Romeo. He was a big fan of the Chiefs and enjoyed watching and explaining the game to Meredith.
Greg was a member of the Church of the Annunciation and St. Michael's Knights of Columbus Council 8915. As a final act of kindness and generosity, Greg chose to be an organ donor to help the lives of others.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn Mumert Brunkow and Carl Brunkow, his nephew Dawson Brunkow, his in-laws Johanna and Vincent Bukaty, Jim Bukaty and Joni Bukaty. His survivors include his wife Tina and daughter Meredith, his brother Larry Brunkow (Diana) and sister Jean Wegner (Ron), Sister-in-Laws Barbara Laskowski (Randy) and Ann Marie Greenway (Paul).
Tina and Meredith were by his side throughout Greg's long, valiant fight with Alzheimer's. He showed dignity and grace during the arduous journey. They will miss his gentle soul and kind ways. Their lives will be forever touched by his love.
The heavenly gates were wide open for you Greg and we know you will ensure they will be quiet and free of any squeaks and rattles. We love you Greg!
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Monarch Hospice and the Liberty Hospital physicians, nurses and staff, especially Summer, Daniel and Sydney, the angels who cared for Greg during his last days and showed great compassion to our family. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Heart of America Chapter in Overland Park, Kansas and the Church of the Annunciation in Kearney, MO
The Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., and a Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 1 at Church of Annunciation in Kearney, MO.