Ida D. Brunner

Ida Darline Brunner, 86, wife, mother, friend to all, died peacefully on January 11, 2017. She was born on a rainy day, December 8, 1930 at home in Loran Jefferson Township IL to William "Erv" and Cora (Brinkmeier) Albright. She graduated from Lena-Winslow High School and this did not stop her from continuing her education at the School of No College but Full of Knowledge. She was a major key in the banking industry working for many years; Lena Bank, Kent Bank and Fifth Third Bank of Freeport. She also coordinated various construction projects from her desk at Lena Builders of Elroy. Her baking talents were often sought after, specializing in wedding cakes. When not busy working, she was courted by Arbeth Brunner of Stockton and they married at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton IL on August 30, 1953. Her roots began in the hills of Loran then sprouted out to Pleasant Valley, Lena, Kent, and Elroy before landing in Freeport. Small town living was personified in Ida's way of life. When Ida wasn't: working, cooking, being a part-time little league baseball coach, Cub Scout Den Mother, needle pointing or crocheting anything from pot holders to afghans she'd been known to watch a western, Three Stooges and other wholesome family shows. She found time to raise a family; three sons, one daughter, various cats, dogs, horses, ducks, and turtles. Reading, there was always enough time to read something. Daily reader of the Freeport Journal Standard, National Geographic, Readers Digest and various paperbacks of all kinds. Ida is survived by the children she and Arbeth raised together: Coralyn (Richard) Stabenow of Rockford, Lee Brunner of Olympia WA, Steve (Belva) Brunner of Fayetteville NC and Robert Brunner of Daegu, South Korea. Grandchildren: Tristan (Michelle) Stabenow, Joseph Stabenow and Corey Stabenow; niece Cherie Bartelt, her special friend Jim and nephew Curt Albright. Ida was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, her parents and brothers: Everet, Earl, Milford, Harold and sister Iva. The family would like to thank FHN, FHN Hospice and Stephenson Nursing Center for their care. A memorial service will be held, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Freeport. Pastor Mark Luepke will officiate. Visitation will be begin at 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Prince of Peace in her memory. Please visit and sign Ida's guestbook at www.burketubbs.com