Timothy Brunner

Tim could make you belly laugh with his sense of humor. Even in his final days after an 11-year battle with colon cancer, there was laughter and bright smiles. Timothy Paul Brunner, son of Rosmary and Paul Brunner, age 62, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 16, 2023, at home.

Tim offered his suffering up to God, using Christ as his example. He focused on his faith and his love for his family and friends throughout his challenging journey. He inspired so many, including his doctors and nurses, with his strength and positive attitude. He never gave up living and trusted God’s timing.

He had much to live for. Tim treasured his wife Diane and celebrated 30 years of marriage on November 20th. He and Diane had two beautiful girls, Rachel and Sara, who adored their Dad and tirelessly sought to bring him joy. An added joy was nephew Dan who lived with the family for several years and became like a son and brother. The loves of each of their lives, Rohit Sahai (Rachel), Jared Grunberg (Sara), and Allyson Brunner (Dan) multiplied the joy, love, and laughter. Precious William, Dan and Allyson’s son, was a light in Tim’s life. And from his first days on earth, Tim’s grandson and Godchild Rishan, Rachel and Rohit’s son, provided daily joy and gave him his last smile. His siblings—Colleen (Michael), Bob, Dan (Cheryl), Mary (Brian), Mike, Lisa (Jeff)—siblings-in-law Jack, Nancy (Dean), beloved nieces and nephews and their loves, plus extended family were a blessing to him, and he loved them all. His last trip was to visit his birthplace in Olean, NY to see his aunts, uncle and cousins (and of course visit Sprague’s Maple Farm Restaurant and the Cuba Cheese Shop). Tim adored his Mom and in-laws who adored him as well. He was a loyal son, brother, father, and husband.

Tim was also blessed by many friends. “Team Tim” included hundreds—his loving family, his closest of friends, his Davis College family, the Ladyfield, SFA and NDA families, his Little Flower family, and Rachel’s and Sara’s friends (who often found Tim one of the funniest men they knew). Their prayers and support inspired him and carried him through tough times.

Tim loved life and each decade, it seemed, brought a new interest. He was proud of being a five-time baseball Trilby All Star in his second decade of life. His love for art and design led to a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo and MFA from Eastern Michigan University. There were phases of softball, golfing, bowling, tennis, and concerts. And the collections included guitars, music, bobbleheads, baseball cards, Catholic books, and design books. He was a life-long L.A. Rams fan and Cincinnati Reds fan. He loved playing “Stratomatic” with his brother Mike, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sons-in-law. In his last year, he became an established member of the Toledo Artist Club and won several awards for his artwork.

Tim was a devoted worker and spent nearly forty years working for Davis College. As Vice President, he used his design skills and sharp mind to lead the graphic design program, marketing and enrollment efforts.

Holidays were warm and wonderful and vacations plentiful included many beaches, sunsets and ballparks. There were heart aches and troubled times, but they were far outnumbered by the joys of family and friends.

He was a good man with a good soul who strived to be generous, respectful, and supportive. He was faith-filled, a fighter, funny, food-loving, family-oriented, and a friend to many.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. rosary at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH. The funeral mass will be on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Church, 5522 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH. Tim will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Relief Services (https://www.crs.org/).