obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

James Gerard
Brunker

James Gerard Brunker “Jerry” was a gregarious man, whose laughter filled others with joy. He could and would talk to anybody—all the while making each person he spoke to feel special. Generous in spirit, Jerry had a heart that was bigger than he was.

James Gerard, who later preferred to be called Jerry instead of Jim, was born in Madison, Wisconsin on April 25, 1952, during a hopeful period that followed the end of WWII. The civil rights movement became a dramatic force in America, jobs were plentiful in a lively economy, and growing families launched the baby boom era. Television was bringing the world into homes across the nation, and rock ‘n roll music was being broadcast around the world.

Hailing from Irish parents, Jerry was the third of Joseph and Dolores (Lease) Brunker’s 13 children. They found enjoyment in being together as one big family and always had enough to form their own teams to play ball. Growing up in the rural community of East Bristol, Jerry was a “country boy,” and though money was tight, Jerry’s childhood was rich with fun. With his outgoing personality, he was always smiling, laughing and joking.

Unfortunately, sobering events in his teen years, turned some of Jerry’s joy to sorrow. His mother died when he was thirteen, and being very close to her, Jerry was deeply affected by his loss. Many times he was made to feel like an outsider because he was teased about his weight. During his high school years, he began using alcohol, a tragic choice that gradually worsened over time. He graduated from East Bristol High School, yet it wasn’t until Jerry sought help through Alcoholics Anonymous that he got the relief he needed. After 1985, he did not have another drink.

Jerry worked various jobs in Illinois and Wisconsin and was married several times. The relationships were broken by divorce, and his marriage to Lori ended with her death in 1991. One marriage produced a daughter, April, whom Jerry searched for but never met before she died at the age of 17. Once again, great sadness caused Jerry to feel like his life was falling apart.

In the midst of a deep depression, Jerry turned to his family and moved in with his brother John and his family in 1992. One of the conditions placed on Jerry was that he had to attend church with John. That marked the beginning of a transformation in Jerry’s life. He embraced the Truth of the Word of God and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on March 20, 1995 at Calvary Gospel Church in Madison, Wisconsin.

In 1996, Jerry began working as a custodian for the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Then a back injury in 1999 caused him to leave with disability retirement. In 2001, at the urging of a friend, Jerry moved to the Milwaukee area, and he attended Parkway Apostolic Church. He became active in small group ministry, called Home Friendship Group, and was able to reach out to his community. Jerry was eager to offer others what he had received, namely, the love of Jesus Christ.

In November of 2003, Jerry was distributing brochures on the cars of his neighbors that invited them to a small group meeting. One of the invitations was placed on the car of a lonely, depressed, divorced woman, who two weeks prior had prayed that God would send Christian friends into her life. Jacqueline Ruminski called the number on the brochure and accepted the invitation to the small group meeting. Jerry and Jackie talked for three hours, discussing the Word of God. By the end of the month, Jerry and Jackie shared Thanksgiving Dinner together, and their relationship grew rapidly.

In December 2003, Jerry invited Jackie for dinner to sample his cooking. Truth be told, he was “cooking up” something more. He told Jackie she would not be lonely anymore and he would take care of her. With that promise, he asked her to marry him.

Out of deep love for Jackie, Jerry asked his friend Bill Lamensdorf to help explain to her the way of salvation that had gripped him years before. In January 2004, after several hours of talking with Bill and Jerry, Jackie decided she wanted to be baptized and she received the filling of God’s Spirit that she so desired. It was amazing for Jerry as well as Jackie. Later, he commented to Bill that seeing Jackie receive from God what he himself had shared with her was one of the greatest days of his life.

Jerry and Jackie were married July 17, 2004 at Parkway Apostolic Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. They were truly united by God, who had answered both of their prayers. They were blessed in their life together.

With Jerry’s new-found job, he and Jackie often went to rummage or estate sales. He discovered he was a natural salesman, selling on eBay, wheeling and dealing or trading this for that—for example, a Corvette in pieces for a motor home.

Over time, Jerry developed additional health issues, and he sought gastric bypass surgery in 2009. In September of that same year, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Still, his death was unexpected when he passed away on Tuesday March 9, 2010 at his home in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Jerry will be missed by his family and friends, even as they celebrate his life that is secure in Jesus Christ.

James Gerard Brunker entered his rest at the age of 57. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Brunker (nee Ruminski); stepfather of Frankie and Amanda; dear brother of John (Melissa) Brunker, Donald Brunker, Robert (Karen) Brunker, Joe (Gloria) Brunker, Kevin (Carrie) Brunker and Matt (Sarah) Brunker, Mary Oathout, Lisa (Don) Kind, Lorie (Leo) Schweiss, Martha (Tom) Fisher, Sue (Mike)Soldner, and fran Lease ; and further survived by 30 nieces and nephews, 23 great-nieces and great-nephews other relatives and friends. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at Parkway Apostolic Church-Chapel, 10940 S. Nicholson Road Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. Suminski Family Funeral Homes, Niemann/ Suminski (414-744-5156). Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or photo for the family or to sign the online guest book.

Past Comments

Kevin

I have a story that proves Matt is a better hairdresser than Fran. In 1979 at mine and Bob’s 1st apartment. Me, Bob and Gary Weber were watching Indiana St play DePaul. Matt was giving Jerry a haircut. By the time he was done, Jerry had the 1st mohawk Bristol ever seen. From long hair to a mohawk, nobody sport a mohawk better than big Jer (wish I had half that hair!) This is just one of the wonderful memories of you. I love you and will always love you. I will miss you forever! Love YOU MAN, Kevin

John @ Lynne Waggoner

Jerry was a true servant.He learned that it was”nt what was said as much as what you do! I had the oppurtunity to be one of his closest friends I always will remember him saying to me that we should go over to so n so”s house and share the gospel with them. His passion was to see everybody saved. And his love for nostalgia and antique and collectables was the perfect hobby for witnessing to everyone. He truly was the perfect friend and not to me only but everybody he met. WOW isnt GOD GOOD. And Jackie we will always share in your loss,and gain. Shine on its what Jesus wants. In Jesus name. WE LOVE all of you that loved Jerry. The Waggoners

Lynne Waggoner

Jerry what can I say – you were/are an awsome friend. You made such an impact on our lives, you will always be uncle Jerry to our kids. You were always quick to encourage Cassandra and Ted to pray and you never gave up on them I’ll never forget the time you even went so far as to buy Cassandra a new coat if she would go up to the alter with you and pray and you kept your word about the coat. Also remember the time Ted brought two of his friends home and you and John prayed with them until they received the gift of the Holy Ghost ! that was so cool ! . One time you stopped by and told John that your sweet heart Jackie had a cold and you wanted to do something to make her feel better so you guys started cooking her a pot of homeade chicken soup. What a guy! Then the time at family camp when you had a big bag of fire works and had all the boys watching the road to see a 4th of july fire works display, hoping the camp security didnt catch you and John firing them off. the kids thought that was so cool that two adults could act so childish. you always knew how to bring out the kid in all of us. And we thought we were at a loss for words but when I started thinking about memories of how you impacted our lives I realize I had alot of great memories. Our family will always love and miss uncle Jerry.

Tim & Sue Cronce

Jackie and family, our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Our family will miss Jerry tremendously as he was a great part of our lives. He spent quality time talking, praying, laughing, crying, sharing and worshiping together with us that we will never forget!

Jerry, where do we start?…

Oh Yeah………DDdduuuuuhhhhhHH… 🙂

You’ve always been like a brother to us bringing smiles and love whether in small group, Bible study, tuning the guitars, parties and of course our weight watchers group – How do we count those stinking calories and servings in a package anyhow? That’s right fiber, too, man gotta have the fiber, Maannn! We all lost poundage though, and through it all and we grew closer together. Boy did we have some laughs, passing and cutting that cheese 🙂

Brother, thank you for being the light of Jesus for Sue and our family over the years! Taking Jeremy under your wings and treating my kids like they were your own was very comforting. Jerry, you have a heart of gold and we’ll see you round the throne wrapped in the arms of Jesus!

Love you, Man, see ya soon!

Shannon Brunker

Miss you Uncle Jerry! Love you!!

Amy Boldon

“Sorry you missed me

I’ll get back with you as soon as I can

Thank you and god bless”

Got the news on Friday mornin’

But a tear I couldn’t find

You showed me how I’m supposed to live

And now you showed me how to die

I was lost till Sunday mornin’

I woke up to face my fear

While I’m writing you this goodbye song

I found a tear

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying ’cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

I got up and dialed your number

And your voice came on the line

That old familiar message

I heard a thousand times it just said

Sorry that I missed you

Leave a message and god bless

I know you think I’m crazy

But I had to hear your voice again

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying ’cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

So play your upside-down, left handed

Backwards bass guitar

And I’ll see you on the other side

Superstar

I’m gonna miss that smile

I’m gonna miss you my friend

Even though it hurts the way it ended up

I’d do it all again

So play it sweet in heaven

‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be

I’m not crying ’cause I feel so sorry for you

I’m crying for me

I’m still crying

I’m crying for me

I’m still crying

Michelle Anzivino

I remember growing up in Lowell, WI. My dad owned a salvage yard there and Jerry became one of our families closest friends. He taught me how to play guitar. Jerry visited regularlly and I will never forget that he was quite a business man and always having this on going rummage sale. As I grew older and moved away I never kept in contact with Jerry. I very sorry to his family and friends! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers!

Shannon Brunker

Uncle Jerry,

I know how much you loved being a part of the UPC Congregation and I can see you singing this song and worshiping in church with a huge smile on your face and nudging me because I wasn’t getting as excited as you were! I can’t wait til the day that we will rejoice and sing this song together in Heaven! I will see you again, I promise, so don’t think you are getting out of it! Love you:)

We’ve Been Known to get wile let our hair hang down drink till we get marry rolling on the ground we cranked up the music we danced all around shouting hallelujah as his glory came down its just our stile the way we do our thing we’re the Pentecostals baptized in Jesus’ name.

Choirs:

I’m a Pentecostal i am not ashamed just read the book of acts we are still the same we worship only one God Jesus is his name we are Apostolic in every way.

Verse 2:

Well some think we’re crazy others think we’re strange but when i got this holy ghost i could not contain its more exciting then a party higher than a drug its the greatest feeling being washed in his blood so if your tired of tradition religions done you wrong your feeling dry and empty no longer have a song.

Verse 3:

Well the story in not over things for you can change you’ll feel the fire burring as the sprit fans the fame theres millions who have come and millions on the way they’re leaving there dead churches for this Pentecostal faith theres a hunger in the world that gets bigger every day they’re crying out for Pentecost and that is why i say

Jeanette Crosswait

Jerry, thank you for sharing Jesus love. You took care of my nephews and were there when they needed you. You prayed with my nephew Scotty in his living room while you were babysitting them and God filled him with The Holy Ghost. You would have done whatever you could to help someone in need. Thank you for sharing Jesus love. I look forward to us all being together again worshipping at the feet of Him who is love: JESUS. You will be missed, until then.

Jeanette Crosswait

Carol Graper

Thank-you Jerry for the time you spent with me and my family. I was sad when you moved out of our home but I understood that you had to move on. Thank-you for all the laughs. I never forget you on Christmas Day.

Thank-you for obeying the voice of the Lord and praying Scott through to the Holy Ghost and showing up to Ella’s Deli every year on his birthday. You really had a knack with kids. You made my kids feel special. Furthermore, you had a knack with adults, you made everyone feel special. It is sad to see you go, but you have left happy memories with many people. We were blessed to have you in our lives.

Love you, Jerry,

Carol Graper

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