J.D. Brunnemer

Plainville resident J.D. Brunnemer passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 90.

He was born July 27, 1934, in Cawker City, Kansas, the son of Lester Brunnemer and Evelyn (Haines) Brunnemer.

J.D. grew up in Cawker City, where he graduated from, and played multiple sports at Cawker City High School. He worked at his dad’s gas station for many years. After high school, J.D. attended Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU), where he played football and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history education. While attending KWU, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Henrietta Prochaska. After graduation, J.D. taught school in Randolph. While teaching, J.D. also attended Kansas State University, where he obtained a master’s degree in education administration. J.D. was drafted into the United States Army in 1957. He served in the Army and Army Reserve; he was honorably discharged in 1963. He was also a member of Cawker City Masonic Lodge #125.

J.D. also taught school in Canton and Kensington and then worked as principal in Belleville and Morrowville. He eventually became Superintendent of USD 270 in Plainville, where he retired after 21 years. After retirement, he also served as superintendent of USD 326 in Logan.

J.D. loved sports and the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. He spent many summers driving his jeep to Colorado and/or Utah, where he conquered many 4WD trails through the mountains and over the high mountain passes.J.D. and Henrietta Prochaska were united in marriage on May 26, 1957, in Simpson. To this union, two children were born and both survive, Jay Brunnemer of Plainville, and Jill (Brunnemer) Wells and husband Dan of Hays. Other survivors include one granddaughter, Haley (Wells) Milligan, and husband, Dan of Manhattan; two great-grandchildren, Maverick Milligan and Max Milligan; and one stepgreat-grandchild, Jackson Milligan. 

J.D. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and an infant son.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville. A Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Cawker City. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.