William “Bill” Herbert Brunz was born to Eva (Meyer) and William G. Brunz on Dec. 20, 1928, in Scottsbluff. He passed away at the age of 93 on April 25, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children.
Bill’s family moved to Mitchell, where he resided until 1946 when, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, for three years and during that time, went on maneuvers to Kodiak Island, Alaska, as a high-speed radio operator. He was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in November 1949. He was called back to active duty during the Korean conflict in September 1950, and served until October 1951. Bill was active in the American Legion for nearly 70 years. His service to his country was very important to him and he was a proud Marine.
Bill and Naomi G. Harmon were married Jan. 13, 1950. To this union, three sons were born, Bill, Bob and Tom.
Following working in the family blacksmith shop, Bill was hired by Mobil Oil Corporation in 1954 as a maintenance mechanic and the family moved to Milford. As his career progressed with Mobil, he was promoted to Senior Field Engineer and worked out of offices in Omaha, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and St. Louis, Missouri, until his retirement in 1985.
After retiring to Sutherland, he was active in community affairs, serving on the village board (six years as chairman) and the library board.
He spent his retirement years loving his grandchildren, camping, fishing, hunting, spending time at the farm with his Labrador retrievers and Friday nights at Ole’s.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Esther; brothers, George and Victor; and son, Tom.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Naomi; his sons, Bill (Cindy), Bob (Linda); daughter-in-law, Patti; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Clint, a sister, Betty, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was April 29 with the graveside service with military honors at Ft. McPherson National Veterans Cemetery in Maxwell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to either Sutherland American Legion, Sutherland Library or the Sutherland Fire Department. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.carpentermemorial.com.
