Vernon D. Brunner

Surrounded and cared for by those he loved most in the final weeks of his life, Vernon David Brunner of Cashmere, WA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on July 26, 2024. He was 85. Vern, known fondly as “Butch” to many, was born to Arnold and Dorothy Brunner in Fairfax, MN on February 6, 1939, and moved to Cashmere with his family at the age of three. He was active in sports throughout school and loved being an altar boy. He later served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. National Guard. In his early 20s, he developed a knack for real estate, eventually buying, renting out, and selling several properties. Whether delivering milk, selling cars, or managing Wehmeyer’s appliance store, Vern gave it his all, fitting in well with the small community of hard-working farmers. In the spring of 1962, he met the love of his life, Dolores Cerna (or “Lolita,” as he liked to call her), through mutual friends. They were married on February 23, 1963, the start of decades of faithfulness and commitment. In 1968, Vern and Dee and his brother and sister-in-law (Duane and Dorothy) purchased their first orchard. After expanding with more property in 1980, Vern became the full-time ranch manager for Brunner Orchards. He always sought ways to help the town he loved, coaching youth basketball, driving school bus, serving as a volunteer firefighter, and contributing to St. Francis Xavier. Together, they raised four daughters, often trailer camping with friends or visiting their cabin on Lake Wenatchee. Later, Vern embraced his role as a Husky dad, joining the Tyee Club, buying football season tickets, and enjoying all things purple. To his nine grandchildren, Vern was affectionately known as Grampie. Upon seeing any of them, his first words were always, “Come here!” quickly followed by a big hug. After Dee retired in 1994, they regularly went south in their RV for the winter. They often traveled with friends and family, always returning with tales of new people they had met. With a kind heart, Vern genuinely embraced both Dee’s family and his sons-in-law as his own. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jerry and Duane, and sisters Shirley and Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dee; children Cindy Henson (Chris), Jackie Osborn (Tim), Stephanie Brunner (Bill), Julie Mastras (Dean); and his dear grandchildren Hillary (Sean), Ashley, Alex, Kassandra, Sara, Nick, Bret, Isabella, and Emily. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Cashmere on Friday, August 2, 2024 11:00am, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at Cashmere Middle School. The family wishes to thank all the people in this world who devoted themselves to his care, specifically the dedicated and compassionate 5SE team at the University of Washington Medical Center and Dr. Peter Rutherford, his doctor and friend. In lieu of memorials, donations may be made to the building fund of Our Lady of Assumption, 9500 Jeske Road, Peshastin, WA 98847

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Vernon D. Brunner

February 6, 1939 - July 26, 2024