John Brunner

John Brunner

September 1, 2021

John Brunner entered eternal life Sept. 1, 2021at his home in Newton, Kansas. John was born July 29, 1941 in Wichita, KS, to Lawrence and Roberta (Gaedeke) Brunner. John was the youngest child, joining his brothers Robert and Larry and sister Jean Anne.

John grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1959. After graduating, he joined his father in the concrete contracting business. In 1965 he started work at Hesston Corporation which is now Agco. John retired from Agco after 37 years.

In 1966 he married Treva Abrahams in Newton, Kansas. She survives of the home. John and Treva had three children, Stephanie, Sean and Kimberly.

Throughout his adult life, John was active in Newton Community Theatre. One of his favorite roles was playing Pellinore in Camelot. John also served on the board of directors for Newton Community Theatre. He was also a member of the Chisholm Trail Festival board for 20 years, serving as chairman and entertainment coordinator. During his time as entertainment coordinator, John brought Sunday evening gospel concerts to the Chisholm Trail Festival.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry, mother and father in law Ed and Adaline Abrahams; brothers in law Barry Abrahams and Allen Abrahams and son Sean.

Surviving John are wife Treva of the home; daughters Stephanie (Gary) Bortz of Winfield, Kansas; Kimberly (Ed) Giesen of Wichita; brother Robert (Pat) of Athens, Texas; sister Jean Anne (Richard) Nuss of Woodinville, Washington and sister in law Mary Brunner (Tom Lewis) of Louisville, Colorado. Also surviving John are his five grandchildren: Kira Bortz, Overland Park; Alex Bortz and Haley Bortz of Winfield; Nikolai Giesen and Canaan Giesen of Wichita.

The family will greet visitors Monday, September6 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Petersen’s Funeral Home, Newton. Memorial service is Wednesday, September 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Newton Christian Church,210 Southport Drive, Newton. Memorials are to the Newton Christian Church Benevolent Fund and the Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center of Newton.