Eugene Bruhnke

Madison - Eugene Herbert Bruhnke passed away on June 25, 2017 at home with family present. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was born in LaCrosse, WI on May 4, 1929 the youngest of nine children to William and Bertha (Lehrke) Bruhnke. He graduated from LaCrosse Central High School in 1948. He then attended LaCrosse State College for 2 years before serving in the Army from 1951-1953 where he trained and became a paratrooper and then served as the Intelligence Chief of the 756th Field Artillery Battalion.

He married Pauline V. Thompson on October 2, 1954 at 1st Evangelical Lutheran Church in LaCrosse, WI. They moved to Madison in 1955 so he could complete his education.
He attained a broker's license in Real Estate and worked briefly in that field but preferred the Appraisal field. He was a Distinguished Life Member of WAAO (Wisconsin Association of Assessing Officers) and the SRA (Society of Real Estate Appraisers) serving as president for both organizations for some time. He was also a member of the SRPA (Society of Real Property Appraisers). He worked for 24 years in the Madison Assessor's office attaining the position of Supervisor of Residential Appraisal. Upon retirement from the city he served for many years on the City of Madison's Board of Review.

He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 50 years serving in several offices. He loved building things, all fixit projects, travelling and playing cards. He loved family camping weekends exploring many parks and camping sites. They spent 14 winters in LaFeria, TX after retirement. He especially loved family events and doted on his grandsons.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Pauline; daughter, Laurie Koch; son, Paul (Deborah); grandson(s), Jeffrey (Cherra) & Ryan Koch; step granddaughter(s), Katherine & Danielle Stone; great step granddaughter(s), Alexandria & Briella Stone; great step grandson, Devin Banuelos; and many sisters in law, brothers in law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bertha; two brothers; and six sisters.

The family would like to pass on a special thank you to all the wonderful staff from Agrace Hospice for their kindness, compassion and assistance. Services will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church 1 S. Rosa Road Madison, WI 53705 beginning with visitation from 11:00am - 12:00pm followed by a service at 12 noon, with lunch to follow. Memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Agrace Hospice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434