Death of John Brunken, sr.—Following a general physical breakdown nine weeks ago, incident to his advanced age, John Brunken, sr., 80, wealthy pioneer of Shell Creek township and former county supervisor, died at 11:30 Saturday night in his home at 1722 Eleventh street. He had been bedfast the last week and his condition was critical for several days. Born in Westerstede, Oldenburg, Germany, Dec. 5, 1844, Mr. Brunken came to America in 1869 and found employment in the woolen mills in Passaic, N.J. In New York on Mar. 15, 1873, he married Johanna Plath. Two years ago they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in Columbus and at Immanuel Lutheran church, of which they had long been members and at which a large company of their friends held a surprise observance of the happy anniversary in their honor.
In 1878 they came to Nebraska, directly to Platte county, and settled on a farm 12 miles north of Columbus. There they made their home throughout the years, experiencing the hardships of pioneer days and later reaping the rewards of industry and thrift. Mr. Brunken represented his district as a member of the county board of supervisors for several years and was for 30 years director of School Dist. 35. About nine years ago they retired from active farm life and established a home in the city.
Besides his wife, Mr. Brunken leaves eight sons and daughters—J. L. Brunken, Mrs. John Witt, Mrs. H. H. Karlin, Mrs. Tony Roach, Charles, Emil and Otto Brunken, all residing in or near Columbus; Will, of Perry, Okla.; Gus, of Lahoma, Okla.; Henry, of Platte Center, and Ed, of Knoxville, Iowa. He also has one sister, in Germany. All the members of the family will be here to attend the funeral, except Gus, who finds it impossible to come. Funeral services will be held at the family home at 10 a. m. Wednesday and at Immanuel Lutheran church at 10:30 a. m. with burial in Columbia cemetery.