Date of death: 7/8/24
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1953
John Francis Brunner, M.D., known affectionately as Jack, passed away peacefully in his home in Toledo, Ohio on July 8, 2024, after a brief illness. Born on April 26, 1927, in Toledo, Ohio, Jack was the eldest child of Monique Gengler Brunner and Frank Joseph Brunner.
Jack’s academic prowess was evident from an early age, and he excelled in his studies. He attended St. Theresa Catholic Grade School and later enrolled at Central Catholic High School in September 1942. In his senior year, he briefly attended Saint Meinrad Seminary before deciding not to pursue the priesthood. In October 1945, he was drafted into the US Army and served for 18 months, stationed in Germany with the Criminal Investigation Division, where he achieved the rank of staff sergeant.
Following his return from Germany, Jack received his diploma from Central Catholic in June 1947. He then pursued higher education at the University of Toledo, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude. Jack’s passion for medicine led him to St. Louis University Medical School, where he met and fell in love with Mary Ellen Cornell, a nurse from Long Island, New York, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in nursing education at St. Louis University. They married in October 1953 enjoying a loving and fulfilling marriage for 70 years.
After graduating from St. Louis Medical School in June 1953, Jack began his internal medicine residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In 1958, Jack and Mary Ellen relocated to Toledo, where he established his private practice in internal medicine. In 1966, he transitioned from private practice to become the Director of Medical Education at Mercy Hospital, a position he held until 1980. Jack’s dedication to his field led him to become Board Certified in Endocrinology when the Endocrinology and Metabolism board exams were first offered. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Radio-Immuno-Assay Laboratory, the Thyroid Nuclear Medicine Department, and the Endocrine and Diabetes Care Center, which he directed until his retirement in 2001.
Jack’s passion for medical education was unwavering, and he mentored numerous physician residents and medical students during their rotations at Mercy Hospital. He was a fixture at Mercy Hospital, conducting internal medicine morning report with residents and medical students at 7:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday, for 30 years. When the Medical College of Ohio opened, Jack joined the clinical faculty, actively contributing to the endocrine curriculum and eventually becoming a clinical professor of medicine in 1981. His dedication and excellence in teaching earned him The Golden Apple Award in 1972 and 1974, an annual recognition of an outstanding teacher selected by the graduating class of the Medical College of Ohio. Jack will be remembered as a kind and compassionate physician who improved the lives of countless patients in Northwestern Ohio.
Despite his demanding work schedule, Jack made sure to prioritize family time. As a youth, Jack was a boy scout who loved the outdoor adventures the organization provided. From these experiences, family time was filled with the fun and excitement of the outdoors, creating cherished memories of fishing, swimming, sailing, ice skating, and skiing for his children and grandchildren.
Deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, Jack and his wife were members of St. Theresa, Gesu, and most recently St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania, Ohio. He credited his Catholic education at Central Catholic High School for much of his success in life. In gratitude, Jack established an academic scholarship fund at Central Catholic High School which has assisted numerous students over the past 20 years.
In retirement, Jack embraced his love for travel, attending his grandchildren’s events whenever possible, and delving into genealogy. He even translated a book about his ancestors’ journey from Luxembourg to Northwestern Ohio. Also, he and Mary Ellen were avid bridge players, becoming life masters in retirement, and playing up until his last weeks of life.
To his family, Jack was the epitome of dedication to faith, family, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and undying optimism. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Ellen, his children Jack (Suzanne) Brunner, Sue (Thomas) Spera, and Rick (Jennifer Murtagh) Brunner, his grandchildren Jack (Susan) Brunner, Michael Brunner, Katie (Jake) Sandvik, Jennifer (Evan) Feldhausen, Allison (Brent) Pederson, Christine (Alex) Sidlak, Jacqueline, Stephen, and Michael Spera, William (Alexandra) Brunner, Robert (Shea) Brunner, and James Brunner, as well as his nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Monique Brunner, his sisters Mary Pat Birsen and Suzanne Schroeder, and his brother David.