Shirley Brunner

Kenmare

Shirley Brunner, 83, Kenmare, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Kenmare Hospital with her boys by her side.

Shirley was born on March 13, 1940 north of Norma, ND to Amos and Ada (Anderson) Melin. She was raised on the family farm southeast of Norma with her six siblings, Alan, Mae, Ralph, Johnny, Lois, and Carl. Shirley graduated from Kenmare High School.

Shirley was united in marriage to Kenneth “Kenny” Jensen on March 11, 1959 in Mohall, ND. The couple made their home on the Jensen homestead north of Kenmare. Together they had three children, Terri, Kirt, and Mark. Kenny passed away on June 18, 1983. Shirley then married Joseph Brunner on January 9, 1985. The couple made their home in Norma first before moving to Kenmare. Joseph passed away on April 9, 2021.

Shirley enjoyed many years of camping and fishing at Van Hook, where she made many great friends.

Shirley is survived by sons, Kirt (Virginia) Jensen and Mark Jensen, both of Kenmare; step-daughter-in-law, Cheryl Jensen, Sheridan, WY, and her family; step-daughter, Traci (Joel) Kirby, Ashland, NE, and her family; step-son, Jason (Brenda) Brunner, Grand Junction, CO, and his family; grandchildren, Kyle (Kristi) Jensen, Denhoff, ND, Kelli Jo (Ross) Pfleger, Manning, ND, Mat (Emily) Jensen, Minot, and Amber (Kurt) Ruzicka, Bismarck, ND; great-grandchildren, Jade and Tyne Jensen, Reed and Kylee Pfleger, Saylor, Pippa, and Lemmie Jensen, and Asher and Brooke Ruzicka; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Jensen and Joseph Brunner; daughter, Terri Jean Jensen; step-children, Ted Jensen, Brian Brunner, and Mike Brunner; parents, Amos and Ada Melin; brothers, Alan and Ralph Melin; and sister, Lois Wallace.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Kenmare. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kenmare later this summer. The service will be recorded for the public to view and can be accessed by going to Thompson-Larson Funeral Home’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thompson-larsonfuneralhome3198. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 4, 2023.