William Anthony Brunkan

William “Bill” Anthony Brunkan, age 83, passed away on June 14, 2026. A memorial service will be held for Bill at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to Tapestry Farms.

Bill was born on September 12, 1942, the son of James and Bernice Brunkan. He and his siblings grew up on a farm in Jones County, near the small town of Sand Springs, IA. With a true love for the outdoors and love for land, he was passionate about gardening and being outdoors. He also enjoyed reading, woodworking, and playing cards with good friends.

Bill was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School. He continued his education at Iowa State University, obtaining his BS in English and speech in 1967, and MAT in English and Education in 1969. He continued his curriculars at Western Illinois University in 1981, studying EDS, Education, Administration and Curriculum. He was selected by the faculty, by Phi Kappa Phi for the Scholastic Membership. At the conclusion of his studies, he continued to be a successful high school teacher, a consultant at AEA, and a professor at Augustana College.

He has proudly accomplished many achievements throughout his life. He worked on two Obama campaigns. He was recognized as an outstanding teacher of Scott County in 1998 and acknowledged by Northern Iowa and University of Iowa for “inspiring future teachers”. He was a part of the Airport Commission for the Davenport Municipal Airport. He was also a Master Gardener at Iowa State, receiving the Lifetime Master Gardener of the year in 2020. His hard work and passion for teaching have inspired teachers and students around him. He strongly believed in equality and fairness, strongly impacting others. He was respectful, loving, kind, and curious.

Bill is survived by his loving spouse, Barbara Ann Tarvin Brunkan; his children, Kimberly (Kevin) McVey and Kristine (Aaron) Pugliese; Siblings, Thomas (Cathy) Brunkan, Susan (Larry) Genelo, Sharon Brunkan and Steven (Janet) Brunkan; Stepchildren Christopher Meseke and Zachary (Liza) Meseke; Grandchildren, Jared and Katelyn McVey. June and Finn Pugliese and Madeline and Erik Meseke; Great grandchildren, Bryce and Maddox McVey; and his grand dog, Tela.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Brother, James (Wanda) Brunkan; and stepson, Adam (Jennifer) Meseke.