Edwin Brunken

Edwin Brunken passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Plymouth, MN on Saturday, November 5, 2016. He was 96 years old. Edwin was born on Jan. 9th, 1920 in a farmhouse in Perry, OK to Gustav Brunken and Anna Ida (Schlosser) Brunken. He was raised in Columbus, NE. Edwin served in the Nebraska National Guard and Army Air Corps 325th Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy during WWII. After the war, he attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a BS in Entomology. He went to work for the American Institute of Baking and, subsequently; the Pillsbury Company where he spent the majority of his career. Edwin met Lucille Kruse while both were working at Pillsbury's flagship plant in Springfield, Illinois. They married on November 19, 1955 and remained married until Lucille's death on Jan 9th, 2009.

Edwin loved the outdoors and spent countless hours camping, fishing and hunting. He continued fishing and hunting into his 80s and shared his passions with his grandchildren. Edwin was known for his faith, determination, integrity and honor. During his career he developed into a natural technical teacher and was sought out to coach teams to find solutions to system challenges. He continued to leverage those skills after his retirement from Pillsbury as he consulted globally. Edwin is survived by one son, Jeffrey (Sheryl) Brunken, of Delano, MN and Punta Gorda, Florida; three grandchildren, Joshua (Michelle) Brunken of Plymouth, MN, Jessica Brunken of Manhattan, NYC and Dr. Nathan Brunken (Ashley) of Kalamazoo, MI. Joshua and Michelle are the parents of Ed's namesake, Eddie, who brought unimaginable magic and mirth into the last years of Edwin's life. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Brunken of Lincoln, NE. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: (Irene, Ferne and Adeline); one brother: Raymond. Visitation will be held at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church, 4040 Hwy. 101 N. in Plymouth, MN on Thursday, November 10 at 10:00am.  Service will follow at 11:00am with lunch afterward. Military Honors and graveside service will take place at 1:45pm at Ft. Snelling where Edwin will be interred with his wife. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Confessional Lutheran Educational Foundation, tclef.org , the Glory of Christ Church Building Fund or The Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation one hour before the service at the church.

Thursday, November 10, 2016 11:00 AM

Glory of Christ Lutheran Church 4040 Hwy. 101 North Plymouth, MN 55447

Visitation one hour before the service at the church.