February 23, 1962 ~ February 7, 2026
Stephen James Brunner age 63 of Fredericksburg, IA died peacefully Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home surrounded by family, after a long battle with ALS.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City with Pastor Don Preston presiding. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua with Caden Collins, Ian Collins, Cael Brunner, Todd Schmidt, Kurt Schmidt, and Kody Schmidt serving as pallbearers. Mike Haas, Randy Wittenberg, and Denny Banks will be serving as honorary pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the Church on Saturday.
Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Born in Ames, Iowa, on February 23, 1962, to James and Kay (Johnson) Brunner, Steve was the embodiment of a life fully lived, characterized by his loving nature, kindness, and spirited personality.
Steve’s formative years were spent on a farm west of Nashua, where he learned the value of hard work and the joy of simple pleasures. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1980, where he was known for his wrestling prowess, a sport he continued to be passionate about throughout his life. His love for the sport was evident as he avidly followed the wrestling careers of his son and nephews, always their biggest fan. Steve furthered his education at Waldorf College, obtaining a two-year degree in 1982, which would lay the foundation for his future endeavors.
Upon completing his education, Steve married Francis in 1984, and although their marriage later ended in divorce, it was a chapter of his life that contributed to his growth and character. He lived in New Hampton for many years, where he was well-known for his friendly demeanor and his willingness to lend a helping hand.
Steve’s career as a machinist at DMT in Waverly began in June 1996 and spanned nearly three decades until his retirement in July 2024. His dedication to his work and his colleagues was unwavering, and he was deeply respected within his professional community.
It was on a fateful New Year’s Eve in 2003 at the Pub at the Pinicon that Steve met the love of his life, Julie Schoening. Their connection was instantaneous, and they married on June 16, 2007, at the very place where they first laid eyes on each other. Together, they settled in Fredericksburg, creating a life filled with laughter, love, and shared memories. Steve cherished his family above all else and was a great friend to many. He had a unique way of bringing joy to others, whether through a funny video reel, a well-timed joke, or sharing a delicious recipe he had discovered.
Steve’s interests extended far beyond his work and his family. He had a lifelong affinity for the outdoors, finding solace in the beauty of nature. An avid hunter, he eagerly anticipated the arrival of hunting season each year, particularly the thrill of the hunt for morel mushrooms. Steve had a knack for finding the best spots for these elusive fungi and, while he was generous with his bounty, he kept his secret locations close to his chest, much to the playful chagrin of his friends and family.
Steve’s life was a testament to the impact a single individual can have on the lives of many. He was a beacon of love and kindness, always ready to share a laugh or offer support. His spirit and enthusiasm for life were contagious, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Steve is survived by his mother Kay Brunner of Charles City; wife Julie Brunner of Fredericksburg; sons: Tyler (Stephanie) Brunner of Ohio, Steven (Katy) Schoening of North Carolina, and bonus son Eric (Marissa) Liddle of Kansas; daughters Danielle (Tim) Newman of Bettendorf and bonus daughter Chantelle (Wesley) Valim; brother Mark Brunner of Nashua; sisters Kim (Tony) Scott of Waukee and Jennifer (Tom) Wohlers of Charles City; grandchildren: Madelyn, Holden, Evelyn, Hadley, AJ, and Olivia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father James Brunner; grandparents: Edwin (Bernice) Brunner, Curtis (Irene) Johnson, and Harold Messey.
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