Memorial
David Oswald Brunius, 89, died Wednesday April 12, 2017 at his home in Cedar Rapids.
Graveside services with military rites will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 24 at the Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Chaplain Cindy Magee will officiate.
David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan, his children, Robert Brunius and wife Barb, Orcas Island, WA, Gail Hartz, Houston, TX; and Mark Brunius, Cedar Rapids, IA; his sister Adele Kventsky, Cedar Rapids, IA; and grandchildren Ted Hartz and wife Kim, Houston TX; Laura Lawrence and husband Grant, Houston, TX; Alena Brunius, Cedar Rapids, IA; Stephanie and Lindsay Brunius, Seattle, WA; and great grandchildren Wilhelmina Hartz, and Milo Hartz, Houston, TX; as well as many other family members and friends.
His parents, Martha and Oswald Brunius, proceed him in death.
David was born in Carver Minnesota, September 15th, 1927. His first 12 years of life were spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His family then moved to Cedar Rapids, IA to join the family business, the Waconia Sorghum Company.
He graduated from Wilson High school in 1945. He then joined the Navy and became a Naval Aviator. After the Navy, he attended Cornel University, eventually graduating in Physics with an emphasis in Meteorology from Iowa State University.
In 1961, David spent a year in the Arctic working for the US Weather Bureau monitoring and forecasting the weather for the United States and Canada. From his experience forecasting the weather and observing wildlife, he was often invited as a guest lecturer in the Cedar Rapids area.
In 1962, David began work at the family business, The Waconia Sorghum Company, until 1979. David then began work at CPI Sales until he retired in his early 70’s.
David was a naturalist and careful observer of life. He loved all things nature and volunteered for the Cedar Rapids archeological society in documenting the history of Linn County.
David had many interests throughout his life including a love of gardening and the science of nature. He loved photography and kept a daily journal for 60 years that started when he was 33 in 1960. He also loved the art of flight stemming from his Navy years and kept his pilot’s license current until he was 65. Additionally, he received a certificate of appreciation for his past service on the Linn County zoning commission. He also had a passion for the political process and volunteered at the election polls.
He was dearly loved will be truly missed by family and friend.