Robert Brunnemer

Robert Wesley Brunnemer, 90, of Bloomington, passed away Saturday at his residence. He was born on August 15, 1922 to Everett Anthony and Racheal Kathryn (Rawlins) Brunnemer in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He graduated from Jeffersonville High School in May 1938. He entered Purdue University in September 1938 in the College of Engineering. He left Purdue in October to enlist in the Army Air corps as an Aviation Cadet. He completed flight training in March 1944, receiving his Silver Wings and Commission as a Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to B25 Aircraft and received combat training at Greenville, South Carolina. Then to Nadzab New Guinea and joined the 345th Bomb Group, 499th Squadron, a low level bombing and Strafing Unit. He flew combat missions in New Guinea, Philippines, into China, Formosa (Taiwan) and Okinawa. At the end of the war he was stationed at Showa, Japan with the Fifth Air Force Service Command. At that station he flew supply missions between Showa and Manila. He returned to the US on February 17, 1946. He was released from active duty as Captain. He remained in the Active reserve until 1954. He returned to Purdue and graduated as a distinguished student and B.S. in Civil Engineering. He was employed as an assistant Project Engineer with the New Mexico Highway Department. His next employment was with the New York Central Railroad as a Design Engineer. From there he was employed by the Indianapolis Airport Commission as Airport Engineer at Weir Cook Airport Indianapolis International Airport). His new position was with Indiana University and retired in 1988 as Director of the Physical Plant. He married Ann Holmes June 2, 1946 who preceded him in death January 25, 2005. He was a member of Purdue Alumni, Indiana University Emeritus Club, Columbia Club, Lions Club, Air Force Association, Four- time President of Bloomington Country Club, member and President of Bloomington Airport Commission, President of Rogers School PTA and Alpha Sigma Phi College Fraternity. He is survived by his son Robert Anthony Brunnemer (Nancy), two daughters Carole Ann Mehlinger (Brad) and Christia Nan Osborne ( Mark); six grandsons Alex Mehlinger , Travis Mehlinger, Andrew Osborne, Robert Wesley Brunnemer II, John David Brunnemer and Christopher Joshua Brunnemer; five great-grandsons and by his very special friend Babs Birchler. Graveside services will be held for family and friends 11:00 a.m. Monday at Lowder Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to christia.osborne@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society in memory of Robert. The family would like to thank Cheryl Gordon and the hospice team with IU Health Hospice for their incredible care.

Tributes

Robert Brunnemer

August 15, 1922 - September 29, 2012