Frank Brunjes, 81, passed away unexpectedly September 14, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital, The Woodlands, TX. He was born December 31, 1941 in Cole Camp, MO, the son of Walter and Eleanor (Stuesse) Brunjes.
Frank grew up, one of six siblings, on the family farm in Villa Ridge, Missouri. He attended St. Bridget Primary School in Pacific, Missouri and graduated from Washington High School class of 1959 in nearby Washington, Missouri. In 1963 Frank earned a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, Missouri. He then joined the Army Corp of Engineers from 1963 to 1965 as a 1st Lieutenant and served in Vietnam. Before leaving for Vietnam, Frank met his future wife, Connie Buegler, on a blind date while based in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. They corresponded during his service and were married in 1966 upon his return. Frank and Connie settled in Peekskill, New York before moving to Houston, in 1970.
Frank held a long and distinguished career with the Shell Oil Company where he was proudly involved with key oil transportation projects among his favorites being the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) and pipeline planning for Shell’s deep water oil platforms. Ultimately he served as the Director of Joint Venture Pipelines and represented Shell on the board of directors of many pipeline companies before his retirement in 1998.
Frank and Connie purchased property on Lake Conroe in 1975 and almost every summer weekend thereafter was spent water skiing and fishing with their three daughters. In 1996 Frank and Connie built their dream home in the Estates of Walden and became active members in the Walden Community. Frank served as the sound engineer for the Walden Follies annual talent show for many years and contributed his skills to provide patriotic music at the Fourth of July parades and community picnics. Frank was named Walden Citizen of the Year in 2019 in recognition of his devotion to the Walden Community.
In addition to his community involvement, Frank enjoyed playing golf and tennis, fishing for big catfish, boating, and mowing his lawn. He played inter-club golf, representing Walden for many years. Frank was known for always being there to lend a hand for friends and neighbors. He was a handyman extraordinaire who could build or fix anything from barns to boat motors. Frank always emphasized responsibility, safety, and making the right decisions, and was an outstanding role model for his daughters and grandchildren. Frank loved this country and was proud of his military service, often wearing his veteran caps. He was devoted to his wife and daughters who love him dearly, and he was a doting grandfather who enjoyed teaching, playing, fishing, boating and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Eleanor Brunjes, and younger brother Charles Brunjes of Villa Ridge, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Connie Brunjes, daughter Elizabeth Avance, her husband Nicholas Avance and children Victoria and Andrew Avance of Montgomery, Texas, daughter Laura Antonetti, her husband Dr. Robert Antonetti and their sons Robert and Stephen Antonetti of Colleyville, Texas, and daughter Ellen Brunjes-Brandt, her husband Russell Brandt and their daughters Anona and Savina Brandt of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his elder brother William Brunjes of Labadie, Missouri, sister Ellie Fox of Pasadena, California, and younger sister Barbara Purschke of Union Missouri, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for Franklin will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas with a reception to follow. A private interment will be held at the Houston National Cemetery. Those who wish to honor Frank Brunjes are encouraged to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Brunjes family.
