He was born on October 14, 1947 to Henry and Effie Brunner, in Greeley, Colorado. After graduating from Windsor High School in 1965, he attended Colorado State University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Following graduation, he accepted a position with Shell Oil Company and resided in Seattle, Washington.
Returning to Windsor, he became a successful farmer; feeding cattle and winning many awards for raising corn, sugar beets, pinto beans, and pickles, retiring at the age of 50. Thank you to Robert Stromberger who truly made Kenton’s farming career everything it was. We thank you for your hard work, dedication, determination, and loyalty. We are forever grateful for Robert and Doris.
He was very passionate about all things involving water. For 24 years he represented Weld County on the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Board. For 20 of those years he served as both the Vice President and chairman of the finance committee. He was the voice for agriculture on the board, as well as a voice for the employees; always looking out for their best interests. Additionally, he served on the Windsor Water and Sewer Board for 30 years and committed much time to the New Cache la Poudre Irrigation Co., the Kern Reservoir Co., and the Lake Canal Co. His knowledge of water, its contributions, and impacts, were second to none.
He was an avid golfer, that was his true passion. He played many courses over the years and had 2 hole-in-ones to be proud of. He was a dedicated member of the Greeley Country Club for many years, as well as Pelican Lakes in Windsor. Kenton was instrumental in founding the senior golf league at Pelican Lakes and was a huge supporter until his body began to fail. Retirement of his clubs was deeply saddening especially his well-known PING putter.
Kenton was a boisterous guy - always cracking jokes, playing tricks on people, and being the life of the party. He was loved by many and was a take charge kind of guy. After suffering a stroke in May of 2018 his sense of humor and many talents diminished. For those of us who knew him best, that transition was difficult. These past 5 years he had many trials and struggles; however, we knew his love still remained.
His family meant the world to him, and he would do anything for them. He was married to Connie Manion from 1968 through 1971, and together they had a wonderful son, Marc Kenton Brunner on October 6, 1969. Later Kenton married Sharon Helzer on August 11, 1973, and together they had a loving daughter, Amy Michelle Brunner (Pickering) on June 16, 1975. Kenton was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, and brother. He provided for each of us in the best ways possible.
Kenton is survived by his wife Sharon, children Marc (Angie) Brunner, and Amy (Will) Pickering; grandchildren Nash Pickering (13) and Bree Brunner (10); Sister Marjean Sheridan (Phil), brother Neill Brunner; nieces Kierra and Katie, nephews Matt and Luke. Kenton is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Effie Brunner.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Faith Church in Windsor at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado in Fort Collins, or Faith Church in Windsor would be greatly appreciated Windsor, CO 80550.
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