Gerald (Jerry) Brunet

Gerald (Jerry) Brunet passed peacefully away at home surrounded by his family on May 20th after a long battle with prostate cancer. Jerry was born on February 24, 1941 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the son of Moise and Sarah “Sadie” (Jacobson) Brunet.

A dedicated husband, loving father, and friend to many, Jerry was the ultimate “family man” in the truest sense. He was married to the love of his life, Barbara (Callahan), for almost 55 years. His children Karen (Jay) Zimmerschied, Beth (Frank) Schneider, Jennifer (Matthew) Thompson and Stephen (Megan) Brunet were fortunate to grow up in a supportive home with their dad at the helm to guide them through their various paths of education, interests, and pursuits in life.

Jerry was often a man of few words but could just as easily break the silence with witty one-liners. Never the individual to attempt to stand out, he was always the one that everyone would gravitate towards. A gentle smile accompanied with an overall easygoing demeanor made Jerry a very approachable figure – someone you could comfortably carry on a conversation with no matter the topic, especially if it was about his beloved Detroit Lions, Tigers or Red Wings.

After earning his degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Detroit and serving his country in the Army (1966-1972), Jerry spent his career as an executive in the automotive industry for over 40 years.

Some of Jerry’s favorite joys in life were spending time skiing in Colorado, enjoying the beaches of the Carolinas & Long Island, and golf with Barbara, his children, brother Tom (Doreen) Brunet, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Ultimately, Jerry’s true joy was just being surrounded by family, especially his eight grandchildren Amanda (Kyle), Alex (Jess), Andrew, Caitlin, Claire, Chloe, Benjamin & Caleb and three great-grandchildren Charlotte, Henry and Grace.

Jerry lived with cancer for almost 25 years. He maintained his gentle smile through the worst of times and made light of nearly every situation, no matter how difficult his journey. He handled his condition with grace and courage and was a true inspiration to all that knew him.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents and his much beloved brother Bill (Beverly) Brunet.

Our family is immensely grateful for the compassion and generosity of friends, family and caregivers during this difficult time. The sense of togetherness and continued support is the true embodiment of our father, and for that, we are filled with never-ending thanks.

Rest easy, Dad. We miss you a lot and love you even more.

There will be a visitation for family and friends from 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church Lawrence. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Overland Park, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to the American Cancer Society and may be sent to Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.