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John Jacob Brunner III

07/08/1938 - 08/17/2022
Service Date: 08/26/2022
Service Time: 10:00 am
Service Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203
Visitation Date: 08/25/2022
Visitation Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Visitation Location: Bunker's University Chapel - 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213
Interment: City of Mesa Cemetery

John Jacob Brunner lll, our father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

John was born in Helena, Montana, on July 8, 1938, the oldest son of John Jacob Brunner and Iva Irene Sims. Dad was a fixer!  He would often say: “I can fix anything but a broken heart.” (He used ice cream for that).  His joy was to help and be of service anywhere he was.

He completed a two-year certification program at General Motors Institute with a major in Service and Dealership Management.  He then transferred his credits and attended Utah State University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology/Automotive Technology with minors in Physics and Mathematics.  He graduated in the top 10% of his class and was a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. During the 32 years he was with GM, he worked as: a Merchandising Representative, a Fleet Sales Manager, and a Service Manager.  Much of his time was spent receiving and presenting automotive training.  He did extensive work on Heavy Duty Truck Electrical with a specialty in Fire Apparatus Electrical.  He also taught hands on electrical classes (SET), HVAC, and other automotive subjects as needed.  John was an active member of Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) and the United States Junior Chamber, also known as the Jaycees. He also served on multiple advisory boards, including EVIT and the Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association.

John loved the Savior and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in college.  His love of service was apparent, as he would help anyone at a moment’s notice throughout his life.  He served willingly in many capacities.  He especially loved his service mission at the Mesa Family History Center.

John met the love of his life, Valene Loveridge, while attending school at Utah State University.  They were married in the Logan Temple on June 8, 1960. They started their life together and family in Bountiful, UT; then moved to Flagstaff, AZ; and finally settled in Mesa, AZ where they stayed for over 50 years and raised their five wonderful children.  John’s wife Valene passed away in May 2021, but he is survived by his children: Scott, Cynthia (Brad), Ryan, Raylene, Kalet (Damien), and 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Charlotte Brunner (Alan Shiller).

There will be a viewing on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bunker Mortuary University Chapel at 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213. The funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1345 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203 on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.  Visitation that morning will be from 8:30 to 9:30 am.

For those who are unable to attend, you may view the funeral service using the youtube link: https://youtu.be/yb7KB2O51OY

Flowers can be sent to the Bunker Family Mortuary on University.  Alternatively, you might consider instead a donation in John’s name to Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s in Mesa (rocksteadymesa.com) or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund (churchofjesuschrist.org).

Condolence cards can be sent care of Ryan Brunner 4127 East Arbor Avenue Mesa Arizona 85206.

 

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Condolences

  • john, you will be missed! a good friend and intriguing discussion companion. you were always ready to help in so many ways.

  • Deepest condolences to the Brunner family. John Brunner was a great man and touched my life in so many ways.

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