Dolores Lorraine Brunk, 99 of Valparaiso, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023. She was born December 31, 1923 in Wilson, Kansas to the late Arthur Lorraine and Lillian Mildred (Stehno) Stone. A graduate of Wilson High School, Dolores worked at the aircraft factory, Cessna, as a riveter during WWII. She enjoyed card games, square dancing, was a master at Scrabble, and loved crossword puzzles, even completing the New York Times puzzles in ink. Dolores even learned to fish, so she could spend time with her husband because he loved to fish. When her children were young, she was an involved mom supporting them by taking part in the PTA, as a Room Mom, and Den Mother. Dolores was the last surviving family member that was from “The Greatest Generation.”
On September 27, 1944, Dolores married Robert Leroy Brunk who preceded her in death on October 25, 1995. She is survived by her son, Robert L. (Julie) Brunk II, D.O.; grandchildren, Lucy (Keith) Heinz and James (Kalli) Brunk; and great grandchildren, Liam and Leighton Heinz and Dharma and Laela Brunk. Dolores was also preceded in death by her daughter, Linda; granddaughter, Jessica “Zoey”; and siblings, Dorothy Goble and Robert Stone.
Following cremation, burial of ashes will take place at Elim Lutheran Cemetery in Marquette, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Wichita, Kansas, Gabriel Home of Valparaiso, Indiana, or VNA Hospice of NWI.
