Walter H. Brunsman

Longtime Racine resident Walter H. Brunsman, 84, died Friday, Oct. 12, at Azura Memory Care in Kenosha.

Walter, known by family members and friends as “Toots,” was born April 1, 1928, in Berlin, WI, to the late Walter J. and Lillian (Nee:  Hauser) Brunsman.

He attended Berlin High School, where he played baseball, basketball and was co-captain of the football team, as well as an honor student. After graduation, he served from 1945-47 in the U.S. Occupation Army in Japan.

In May 1952 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he played center on the football team. But more importantly, he met Rose Ann Kearns, his future wife. They were married Aug. 27, 1955.

Later, he earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He taught math for 36 years, including 28 years at Jerstad-Agerholm Junior High. During summers, he worked for the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation. In addition to being Phi Delta Kappa, he was a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Racine YMCA. He earned the Meritorious Service Award for 28 years of service from the Racine Unified School District.

After retirement, he worked part time as a dispatcher for Schneider Trucking in Sturtevant and for many years delivered Meals on Wheels lunches to shut-ins.

Walter was passionate about St. Louis Cardinals baseball and held Packers season tickets. He spent years caring for the family cabin on Bughs Lake near Wautoma.

Walter is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Ann; and by three children, Steven (Christine) Brunsman of Houston, Paula (Bill) Buchanan of Bend, OR, and Michael Brunsman of Racine; and six grandchildren, John and Michael McWilliams, Sarah, Keely and Grant Buchanan, and Ryan Gardner. He is also survived by numerous sisters-in-law and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Loren and Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 18, 2012, at noon at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating.  Entombment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at noon.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory should be made to St. Rita Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888