Nilan Brunner

Nilan Maeford Brunner, 77, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. He was born December 16, 1930 in Red Wing to Frank and Malinda (Prigge) Brunner. He attended schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was baptized by Pastor J.R. Baumann and confirmed by Pastor H. Kildahle of the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. He farmed with his parents until they moved to Red Wing in March of 1946. He was employed at Board of Public Works and nine years at Red Wing Potteries. On January 21, 1951, he enlisted in the National Guard Company B 135th Infantry Regiment 47th Viking Division and he was stationed at Camp Rucker, Alabama. In January of 1954 he received his honorable discharge. He married Shirley Arntson on June 12, 1954 at United Lutheran Church and they lived in Red Wing. He worked for Culligan Soft Water for 10 years; Durkee-Atwood for 27 years and S.B. Foot Tanning Company until he retired. He also drove school bus for Lee Line Bus Company for several years. He was a member of United Lutheran Church and the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post 54. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, cars and being with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Red Wing; two daughters, Kathy Brunner of Red Wing and Jean (TJ) Worrell of Minnetonka; three granddaughters, Amanda Bach and Hannah and Sophie Worrell. He was preceded in death by his parents.


Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at United Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Timm officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a legion prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour to prior to the service. Memorials preferred to United Lutheran Church or Goodhue County Historical Society.