Lanny K. Brunner

Lanny K. Brunner, age 78, died after a short illness on Saturday, February 4. Born June 12, 1938 in Salem to Kathryn Greenamyer and Benjamin Brunner, he graduated from Goshen Union High School and the University of Cincinnati with a BS in mechanical engineering. In 1995, Lanny married the love of his life Nancy Artle. They built their dream home by hand, block by block. They were constant companions and regulars at many local establishments where the fun didn’t start until they arrived. Lanny was employed at Electric Furnace in Salem, Ohio for many years. He also worked at Comstock 2 and at CTM Integration in Salem. He was a long-time member of Elks Lodge 305 and the Salem Hose Club.

He was a gifted carpenter, learning the trade when he designed and built cabinets with his father. He passed these gifts on to his daughter Liz, who also loves to build things. Likely half the county has a piece on which his trademark saw and paintbrush with his name is routed in perfect block letters. He built gazebos and rocking chairs, altars and crosses, benches and pumpkins and snowmen, among others. He also was an accomplished baker, known to gift anyone who crossed his path with whatever he was baking that day: the server in a restaurant, the cashier at Save-A-Lot, the groomer for his beloved Yorkies, Maddie and Jake. On the day he fell ill, he left dozens of cookies cooling on a rack, a birthday gift for a friend, who more than ten years earlier ensured the Rolling Rock she served him came from the darkest place in the cooler. He said he did this because he loved to see people happy.

Survivors include his daughters Lynne (Jon) Zeigler, Lizbeth (Michael) Pope; Nancy’s children, Beth Artle Malloy, Joseph (Aura Lea) Artle, Amy (Jim) Cuhran; Grandchildren Weston and Brianna Zeigler, Jacob, Benjamin, Andrew and Samuel Borsuk. Nancy’s grandchildren Zach Malloy, Connor and Lee Artle, and Kathryn and Kyle Cuhran. Also surviving are many friends he considered family. Lanny was preceded in death by his father and mother and his brother Donald.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, February 8 from 6-8 PM at Gednetz Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at 11AM Thursday, February 9, 2017. Lanny wanted to give back; in lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Industrial Arts program at West Branch High School, 14277 Main St. Beloit, Ohio 44609. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home, Sebring, OH (330) 938-2526.