Melvin Louis Bruenger

Melvin L. Bruenger joined his parents and siblings in heaven on May 7, 2023. Melvin was born on August 29, 1936, to Louis F. and Agnes Margaret (Mueller) Bruenger in Chanute, Kansas. He attended and graduated from Center Grove Country School, Humboldt High School, Neosho County Junior College in Chanute, Kansas and Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. He lived on the family farm in rural Humboldt until he enlisted in the Army in September 1958. Born and raised in Humboldt, Kansas Melvin was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He and Patricia Ilene Gibson were married December 28, 1958 in Humboldt, Kansas.

The Army sent Melvin and Pat to Verdun, France for 3 ½ years where their first 2 children, Melvin Bruenger II and Mary Welch were born. The family returned to the states and lived in Oklahoma and Virginia where Melvin worked for a year at Army Nuclear Power. Their 3rd child, Martha Cameron was born in Virginia. Melvin received his warrant officer commission in 1967. Melvin was then stationed in Vietnam for a year. He rejoined his family in Humboldt before he was assigned to Vietnam for a second tour. After that tour the Bruenger family moved to Michigan, Olathe, Kansas, then to Kentucky and California. Melvin's next overseas duty was in Turkey. After returning from Turkey, Melvin was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, with the 1st Infantry Division where he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in September 1978. His awards include Army Commendation Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver and 1 bronze service star, Good Conduct Medal, 2nd award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

After his retirement the family moved to Garden City, Kansas, where Melvin worked for Freeman Pump & Supply. The family later moved to Independence, Kansas, where he and Pat owned and operated Central Pump & Supply until they retired 15 years later. While in Independence, Melvin and Pat belonged to the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Zion Lutheran Church, and they were both members of the Independence Country Club where they became golf-aholics before Melvin's health failed.

After retiring from CPS they made their home on the family farm in Humboldt, Kansas. Due to Mel and Pat's health issues they moved to Cedar Lake Village in Olathe, Kansas, where Melvin enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word find puzzles, and knitting newborn baby caps for the local hospital.

Melvin was preceded in death by both of his parents, Louis Fred and Agnes Margaret (Mueller) Bruenger, his siblings Russell Bruenger, Clara Cooper, Clarence Bruenger, Elsie Bruenger, Della Frederick and two nephews.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia I. (Gibson) Bruenger; his children Melvin Bruenger, II, Djibouti, Africa( Ronelyn of the Phillipines), Mary Welch (Jerry) Independence, Kansas, and Martha Cameron Melbourne, Florida; 4 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; as well as 2 nieces, 2 nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday May 15, 2023, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Humboldt, Kansas. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Humboldt, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Peters Lutheran Church and Cedar Lake Village and can be left in the care of Feuerborn Funeral Service, 1883 US HWY 54, Iola, Kansas, 66749.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .
You can watch Melvin's Funeral Service here @ https://vimeo.com/event/3401756