Elinor Ann Brunk

Elinor Ann Brunk, 89, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at Ambassador Healthcare at Cypress Lake, Fort Myers, Florida. Elinor was born February 19,1935, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Irene (Jackson) Jones.

On October 30,1954, she married Philip H. Brunk in Ottumwa, Iowa. Elinor attended Ottumwa High School and Indian Hills Community College Licensed Practical Nurse program, Centerville, Iowa. Elinor and her family lived in Ottumwa, Iowa; Naples, Florida; Des Moines, Iowa; Centerville, Iowa; and Fort Myers, Florida. She spent most of her life as a homemaker, but worked 2 years at St. Mary's Hospital in Centerville, Iowa.

She was a member of the TTT and PEO organizations, and she was a volunteer for many years at HealthPark Medical Center, Fort Myers, Florida. Her greatest passions were her family and being a loving caregiver for others.

Elinor is survived by her son, Alan Brunk, Fort Myers, FL; her daughter, Jane (Ron) Holtsman, Holts Summit, MO; five grandchildren, Bethany Wells, Centerville, IA; Charles (Natalia) Brunk, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Philip Brunk, Fort Myers, FL; Alesha Packer, Iowa City, IA; and Ashley (Sarah) Holtsman, Ottumwa, IA; 11 great-grandchildren, Jesse (Haven) Wells, Centerville, IA; Katelynn Boughner (Courtney Leverette), Jefferson City, MO; Raynn Snyder (Jayden Paulsen), Centerville, IA; Quoia and Fox Brunk, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Eva and Elsa Packer, Iowa City, IA; Serena and Gage Holtsman, Iowa Falls, IA; Cheyanne Beck, Albia, IA: and Colton Miller, Ottumwa, IA; one great-great grandson, Reese Leverette, Jefferson City, MO; and two more on the way in March and April. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Elinor was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Irene Jones; her husband, Philip; her sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Barbara (Jones) Manka; her sister- and brother-in-law, Bill and Barbara (Brunk) Samford; and two infant grandchildren, Lydle and Janelle Wells.

Per Elinor's wishes, she was cremated with no official services. An open house and celebration of life and her 90th birthday was held February 19, at her son's home. Memorial donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) at:

https://www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/