Delbert Brunkow, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Tonganoxie, Kansas, on April 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Delbert was born on May 23, 1951, in Onaga, Kansas. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1969 and began his career with Southwestern Bell that same year. His work took him to Gladstone, Missouri (1969–1972), Hays, Kansas (1972–1975), and ultimately Concordia, Kansas, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. He repeatedly volunteered to deploy to disaster-stricken areas, including Galveston, Texas, following a major hurricane, and to California to support emergency communications restoration efforts. In those demanding environments, he did what he always did: worked hard, solved problems, and built lasting friendships. True to form, he even helped form a makeshift band with fellow workers to bring some lightness to long days. In later years, he worked as a farmhand for Tom Forshee and with Demanette Plumbing.
In 1971, Delbert married Wonda Kramer, and together they had two children, Colleen Randolph (Mark) and Corey Brunkow (Stephanie). Though they later divorced, family remained an important part of his life. On April 3, 1999, he married Judy Sterling, with whom he shared many happy years.
Delbert was a man who loved the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed elk hunting in Colorado, hunting geese with lifelong friends, and guiding hunting parties throughout western and north central Kansas. He treasured fishing trips to Truman Lake with his beloved Aunt Ruthie. One of his favorite memories was taking her on her first goose hunt on a day when the temperature dropped to 11 degrees below zero. He was also a proud participant in the Kansas Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt events.
He was an active member of several organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Miltonvale, Kansas.
Delbert had a deep appreciation for simple joys like watching John Wayne and other Westerns, meticulously caring for his yard and garden, and browsing Cabela’s. He was known for his caring heart, especially for his devotion to his mother-in-law and sister-in-law during their illnesses. He would be the first to admit he was not much of a dancer, but he made up for it in loyalty, humor, and love for his family and friends. He shared a special bond with his grandson Devin, who faithfully lived with Delbert and Judy and provided exceptional care and support to both of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose Parks and Vernon Brunkow; his infant brother, Glen Alan; his stepfather, Frank Shomin; and his nieces, Aimee Haner and Angela Shomin.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Brunkow; daughter, Colleen Randolph (Mark); son, Corey Brunkow (Stephanie); stepdaughter, Kathy Eustice; stepson, Chad Sterling (Mandy); sisters, Arlene Haner (Jim) and Dorothy Shomin (Mike); brother-in-law, Paul Cherney; sister-in-law, Lisa Cherney; grandchildren, Ambrose Eck, Savannah Brunkow, Devin and Derek Eustice, Lana and Sidney Miller, and Alexa Sterling; many nieces and nephews; and his special aunt and fishing companion, Ruth Gross.
A memorial service will be held at Harvest Ridge Covenant Church (22015 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS 66226) on Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Wild Turkey Federation or a charity of the donor’s choice.
