Thomas A. Brunner was called home December 20, 2021, as was his Christmas prayer, while residing at Country Villa Assisted Living in Pulaski, WI. He was born January 10, 1937, to Arthur and Elinor Brunner of Leopolis, WI.

Tom will be most remembered for his love of dairy farming and his community service. He graduated from UW-Madison with a BS in Dairy Science. While attending he was a member of the UW dairy judging team and he also served in the military after graduating. He was an active member of St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cecil and assisted with many activities there from the choir to the helping hands program.

He shared the love of showing cattle with his family and they exhibited at the Shawano County Fair for many years with several grand champion bred and owned animals from Brunner Farms, Inc. Tom and Betty started farming in 1959 south of White Clay Lake and were heavily involved with UW-Extension concerning best soil practices as well as dairy cattle breeding and ration balancing. These earned him the honor of state Outstanding Young Farmer in 1972.  Tom continually searched for ways to improve milk and crop production as he partnered later in his career with sons Bruce and Brad to grow the herd to 500 head of milking cattle.

Tom and Betty were 4-H general leaders of the A-Z 4-H Club for over 25 years, earning the Distinguished leader award as well as a state 4-H alumni award, for his involvement as a dairy judging and speaking coach. They mentored countless young men and women under their leadership. He and Betty also found great education in welcoming exchange students from other states and countries, hosting youth from KS, ND, KY, Japan, and adults from CO, France, Philippines, Poland, just to name a few. Tom was also an active member of the Town of Washington Town Board for 24 years, serving as chair for many of those. He was also elected to the Shawano County Board for 16 years.

He is survived by his children Brian (friend, Mary) Brunner, Bruce (Vicky) Brunner, Sheboygan Falls, WI, Brad (Lorie) Brunner of Kansas City, KS, and Terri Brunner of Cecil, WI as well as 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother Mike (friend Cheryl) Brunner, Gladstone, MI, and sister, Sr. Mary Samuel Brunner, Shawano, WI, and sister-in-law, Monie Brunner, Florida.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Brunner, brother David and his granddaughter, Brianna.

Tom will be missed but certainly not forgotten as he got his Christmas wish - to be reunited with his wife before his Father in heaven. He touched many lives, and his memory will live on through those he mentored to do good of this world. Tom was an excellent provider, had a servant's heart and was a great role model for all that knew him well.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 11am at St. Martins Catholic Church in Cecil, WI.  Visitation will be from 9-11am that day. For those who prefer to "attend" virtually, you can do so at: https://youtu.be/1SRDGLEJ8_o .  In lieu of flowers, Tom requested donations to be made to St Martins Catholic Church.

Luke 19:17 "Well done thou good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"

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