Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Brunke

Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Brunke - age 84 of Pleasant Valley, MO and former lifelong resident of Excelsior Springs, MO passed away Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022, at Lawson Manor in Lawson, Missouri. Gene was born on February 11, 1938, the son of Cecil Arvine and Helen Louise (Brunner) Brunke in Excelsior Springs, MO, where he grew up in the family business, Brunke Supply. He graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1956 and honorably served in the United States Airforce, stationed in Puerto Rico from June of 1956 until June of 1960. He married Patricia Ping on June 15th, 1961, in St. Joseph, MO, at Patee Park Baptist Church. Gene worked as an Executive Field Service Engineer for Burroughs Corporation, Unisys Corporation and Genisys Corporation before retiring and working at Phillips 66 in Liberty. He was a member of Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church in Excelsior Springs. Gene was a handy man, able to fix or build anything. He had a genius IQ and was excellent at computer work. Gene enjoyed being outside, fishing, and cutting the grass. Gene was always willing to help people. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Robert Brunke. He is survived by his wife Patricia Brunke of Pleasant Valley, MO;  children, Debora Smith (Will) of Liberty, MO and David Eugene Brunke (Karen) of Roswell, GA; grandchildren, Aaron Glunt (Ariel) of Kansas City, MO, Ryan Glunt of Liberty, MO, Nicole Wood (Travis) of Kansas City, MO, Matthew Brunke of Roswell, GA, and Jessica Saunders (Chandler) of Buckhead, GA; great-grandchildren, Ava, Kairi, Avea, Brody, Daxton, and Wrenley; brother, Larry Dean Brunke (Clara Jane) of Excelsior Springs, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members also survive. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, at Stith Funeral Home in Polo, MO. Memorial Services with Military Honors will follow the visitation at 3:30 PM, at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Polo (660) 354-2214. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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