Hazel Brunner

Hazel June Brunner

Hazel June Brunner, age 94, of Combined Locks, passed away peacefully on November, 18, 2014, at Appleton Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Hazel was born on August 20, 1920 to the late Frank and Nora (Marzahl) Heimke. Hazel married the late Harold Brunner on August 23, 1947.

Hazel was an avid embroiderer, spending the winter months making countless dish towels for her family. She was often found listening to polka music on Saturday mornings and then watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday evenings.

Hazel worked at Thilmany Paper in her younger years and then raised her family before returning to work at Colony Oaks Care Center where she stayed until age 75. She walked the 2.2 miles there and back for 27 years (and sometimes made the trip twice in one day to cover someone else's shift for them.) Thanks to all who offered her a ride when seeing her walking through town.

Hazel is survived by her six children: Barbara (Charles) Pennings of Hilbert, Karla Hauser and her fiancé Thomas Guyette of Appleton, Bruce (Sherri) Brunner of Appleton, Kathy (Gary) Hooyman of Kaukauna, Karen (Ken) Kersten of Kaukauna, Brad (Cheri) Brunner of Kaukauna; grandchildren: Ryan (Betsy) Pennings of Black Creek and their children, Tyler Snyder, MiKayla, MiKenzie and Ryder Pennings; Shawn Rusher and his sons Trevor Rusher and Nathan Helton; Greg Hauser of Wrightstown; Deanna (Mark) Sanders of Kimberly and their children, Gwynn and Claire Sanders; Bryan (Tiki) Brunner of Appleton and their children, Dalton Langlois, and Brayden Brunner; Jaime (Jeff) Brochtrup of Kaukauna and their children Garett and Grace Brochtrup; Jared (Keri) Hooyman of Kimberly and their children Kaitlyn and Nathan Hooyman; Kristopher (Mari-Lee) Kersten of Virginia and their children, Griffin, Alana, Ashton and Elliott Kersten; Kory (Amanda) Kersten of Ashland; Alyssa Brunner of Appleton; Shannon Brunner of Neenah and her daughter Chloe Botwright; Kari (Clint) Guyette of Little Chute and their children Liam and Fischer Guyette. Hazel is also survived by her special friend and companion, Mitchell, her beloved Lhasa Apso, and also many other relatives, friends and neighbors. She is preceded in death by her husband, both of her parents, and her cousin Pennie Kavanaugh.

The services for Hazel will be held on Saturday, Novemeber 22, 2014 at ST. LUKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 705 E. Greenfield Drive, Little Chute, WI, 54140, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jesse Johnston officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the JANSEN-FARGO FUNERAL HOME, 204 E Elm Street, Kimberly, WI, 54136, on Friday, November 21, 2014 from 5:00 P.M. until a prayer service which will take place at 8:00 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. The interment for Hazel will take place on Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Kaukauna. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com

Thank you especially to Dr. Russo of the Kaukauna Clinic for his care. Mom always enjoyed her appointments as you and your staff were so caring. She thought the world of you all.

Thank you to all the special people from St. Paul Rehab and Therapy during Mom's recent recovery from a broken hip. Your special care and concern were very much appreciated.

Thank you also to the Nursing Staff from the 7th floor at AMC. While Mom was not always aware of what was happening, her family was very much appreciative of your care and concern, or a special hug when we needed it.

Thank you to all the members of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church who visited with Mom at home and the rehab center. She so enjoyed the special goodies from someone's kitchen or Karen's garden. Thanks especially to Pastor Johnston for his visits to Mom at her home, at St. Paul Rehab and at the hospital. Your comforting words helped us through many trying moments, but helped us to remember that when Mom was ready, the Lord would be waiting.

She was and always has been a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to keep up on what was all happening with everyone in the family. She especially loved visits from them all. We will certainly miss her smile but know that the Lord has her now in his keeping. We will meet again one day.