Irene Ida Brunson, age 91, of Parkers Prairie, died Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at Douglas County Hospital surrounded by her family.
Funeral services are 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music is provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich and vocalist, Dedra Zwieg. Burial is at Parkers Prairie Cemetery.
Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Irene Ida Brunson was born at home February 27, 1923, to William and Ottilie (Brueske) Schramm in Parkers Prairie Township. She was baptized April 15, 1923, and confirmed June 27, 1937, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She attended country school until she began working at area resorts. She was united in marriage to Vincent Brunson on March 12, 1942, in Parkers Prairie. Following their marriage they lived on the Brunson family farm where they raised their family. They sold for Jacques Seed Company earning many trips, including Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Florida, California, Texas, Washington D.C. and several cruises. Vincent died on May 19, 1981. Irene moved into Parkers Prairie in 1986. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran church and the Ladies Aid. She was a volunteer for the Senior Citizen Center and the bingo booth at the annual Parkers Prairie Fall Festival. She loved traveling, shopping, playing cards, dancing, crocheting, quilting, reading and fishing. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred, Eugene (Olga), Edwin (Audrey), Bill (Hazel), Hugo (Darlene), Harlan; sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence (Mel) Quitmeyer, Alvina (Lewis) Johnke, Ester (Harold) Gretler, Adeline (Hank) Quitmeyer, Wesley Bowman; granddaughter, Robin Brunson; grandson-in-law, Adam Johnson.
Irene is survived by her five sons, Dellmar (Beverly) Brunson of LeCenter, Gary (Garnette) Brunson of Henderson, Bill (Bonnie) Brunson of Parkers Prairie, Bob (Wanda) Brunson of Garfield and Pat (Roxanne) Brunson of Arnegard, North Dakota; daughter, Linda (Arlen) Dunker of Ottertail; sister, Verla Bowman of Virginia; sister-in-law, Elaine Schramm of Conrad, Montana; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandaughter; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.
Pallbearers are her grandsons Rick Brunson, Scott Brunson, Robert Brunson, Randy Brunson, Jonathan Brunson, Joshua Dunker, James Brunson and Chris Brunson. Honorary Pallbearers are her granddaughters Denise Brunson, Stacey Brunson, Michelle Woida, Sherry Brunson, Tammy Broker, Kelly Johnson, Holly Rangel, Jessica Plombon, Amanda Irving and Abby Brunson.