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Brunner, Florence P.

Florence P. Brunner, 95, a Manitowoc resident, passed away on March 29, 2018.

She was born in Cato, Wisconsin on September 6, 1922 to Peter and Rose (Stefl) Gosz. Florence graduated from Reedsville High School and then continued her studies at Manitowoc Business College. She began her working career at the Manitowoc Ship Building Company in the accounts payable department. Florence married Donald (“Don”) Brunner on December 26, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Reedsville, Wisconsin. Don preceded her in death on September 8, 2007. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where Don attended Marquette University and Florence worked at Hotpoint Corporation. After Don’s graduation from Marquette University they moved to Brillion, Wisconsin and then to Waupaca, Wisconsin in 1955 where she supported his efforts in establishing the Waupaca Foundry. Florence enjoyed the summers with family and friends on the Waupaca Chain O’Lakes. Even though she did not learn how to swim as a child, she ensured her children were very proficient swimmers. Volunteering in her community and her church was an integral part of her life. She was a member of the Riverside Women’s Auxiliary, a volunteer at the Riverside Community Hospital Gift Shop, driver for meals on wheels, Girl Scout leader, volunteer at Bethany Nursing Home, and various school and church volunteer positions associated with her five children. Florence’s faith was very important to her and she was an active member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca for over 50 years. Notably, she was the Ladies Sodality treasurer for numerous years. The rosary and daily prayer were a very important part of her spiritual life. In 2010, Florence moved to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to live with her daughter, Mary Jo Brunner. Mary Jo provided loving care to her mother for many years which was a key in extending her mother’s independence. She became a member of St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo Boulevard. She loved driving around the Manitowoc area with Mary Jo and especially enjoyed watching the waves and the birds on Lake Michigan.

Florence is survived by her five children: Susan (William) Stark, Madison; Steven (Debi) Brunner, Waupaca; Tom (Lynn) Brunner, Wausau; Mary Jo Brunner, Manitowoc; Patrice Lowe (fiancé Robert Klimoski), Sturgeon Bay; nine grandchildren: Sarah (Josh) Holbrook, Christy (Matt) Beneke, Charlie Stark, Nick (Julie) Brunner, Emily (Billy) Rodgers, Sam Lowe, Jane Lowe, Laura (Jackson) Beck, Allison Brunner; and three great-grandchildren, Anna Holbrook, Joseph and Lucas Beneke. Florence is survived by her sister Marcella (“Sally”) Geiger, Manitowoc. Florence was preceded in death by her brothers, John Gosz and Rev. Isadore Gosz; her sister Mary Rohrer; and brothers-in-law, Leroy Geiger and Paul Rohrer, and sister-in-law Helen Gosz.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 N. 14th Street) Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Doug LeCaptain. Entombment will be held at Calvary Mausoleum, Maniotowoc. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 N. 14th Street) Manitowoc. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.pfefferfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to the Florence Brunner Memorial Fund. The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements

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