H. Nelson Brunk Obituary (1927 - 2023)

Harry Nelson Brunk, 96, passed away on December 11, 2023. He was a resident of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Virginia for the past 10 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Detweiler); his parents, Henry and Nora (Kraus); his sisters Esther (Norman Loux); Ellen (Griffin); Ruth (Ray Horst); Alma (Leonard Baer) and two brothers Perry (Fern) and Joseph. He leaves behind his brother, Henry (Edna Ebersole); sister-in-law Mary (Ours) Brunk; and his three children, Carol (Bob Harnish), Judy (Gary Blosser) and Brad (Patti King), his grandchildren, Kate (Ed Plocher) and Jonathan Harnish; Becky (David Werlin) and Shannon Blosser; Rachel (David Woje), Mollee (Brandon Rollin) and Landon (Kia Jefford); and eight great grandchildren, James Plocher; Sid, Sam and Sophi Werlin, Raelynn, Sage and Judah Woje; and Finley Rollin. Nelson was born at home in Hyattsville, Maryland on October 7, 1927. As a child, he worked with his family to make potato chips and sausage during the Depression. As a young adult he joined the Civilian Public Service cutting trees and building roads. He later delivered feed for a poultry company in Harrisonburg. He was president of Peoples Supply Company in Bladensburg MD, family business established by his father. He courted and later married Ruth Detweiler on March 11, 1950. Together they helped start Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland. And he and Ruth were deeply committed to Bahia Vista Church in Sarasota, FL, and Bethel Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs. They gave of their time and skills to Habitat for Humanity where they worked alongside Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter building homes in Mexico. They volunteered in numerous MCC assignments and church camps. Nelson was a man of many talents. During his adult life he played golf for many years, which expanded his friendships and gave him a place to share his many stories and jokes. His tenor voice gave him the opportunity to sing in men's quartets. Nelson's love of family and his strong faith motivated many of his life pursuits. He entertained his children with his wiggling ears, riding a bicycle backwards and jumping over his arm. He was a gentle, caring, and generous man. All these qualities produced a life well lived; He will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service celebrating Nelson's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 15, 2024, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VMRC's Good Samaritan & Compassion Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.