Ruth’s impact on those she touched in life, as a sister, mother, grandmother, and teacher, was profound.
Born to Estelle and Arvid Haukkala in 1936, Ruth was the second oldest of six children, and helped raise her younger siblings as they all grew up in Houghton, Michigan. Ruth developed her life-long love of music through piano lessons at home and playing clarinet in the school marching band. Ruth expanded her musical skills, learning to play the organ at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she met her future husband, Herman Carl Brunke, through activities with the church youth group. They were married after Ruth graduated 5th in her high school class, in 1955. Their marriage spanned sixty-three years.
Ruth raised her three children, Herman, Michael and Michelle, in Lansing, Michigan. There, she started her college work, first at Lansing Community College, finishing both a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education at Michigan State University. Ruth enjoyed a 28-year career as an elementary school teacher, helping generations of 5th and 6th grade students in the Lansing School District to learn and better prepare for higher education and life. Ruth was active in her church music program at both Grace Lutheran in Lansing, and Christ the King Lutheran in Gladwin. She sang in the choir, accompanied on piano, played the organ, and was a member of the bell choir.
Ruth's love for family was displayed in every action, throughout her life. Ruth provided strong and loving support to her husband, Herman, as he dealt with and overcame the challenges of epilepsy and late-life prostate cancer. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always in Ruth’s heart and prayers. Although we will say our final good byes to Ruth on 21 January, 2022, at Grace Lutheran in Lansing, she will be in our hearts forever.
A visitation for Ruth will be held Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 21, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 528 N Martin Lutheran King Jr Blvd., Lansing, MI 48915. Following the service, Ruth will be laid to rest in Deepdale Cemetery, 4108 Old Lansing Rd., Lansing, MI 48917.
The family invites those who wish to attend the service but are unable to do so in-person to join them in celebrating Ruth's life at the following link for a live-broadcasted service: https://www.facebook.com/glclansing/
Memorial contributions can be made in Ruth's memory to the American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Brunke family.
