Dale Edward Brunner
Dale Edward Brunner, age 76, of Eau Claire, died Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his home in Eau Claire, under the loving care of his family and Mayo Hospice.
Dale was born in Durand on June 21, 1949, to Hubert and Helen (Brantner) Brunner. He grew up on the family farm and attended Sacred Heart School at Holy Rosary Parish-Lima. He attended Durand High School in Durand, WI for his senior year. He attended UW-Eau Claire graduating with a teaching degree in Biology in 1972. He met and married his wife, Vickie McCue in Thorp during his senior year in August 1972. They lived in Eau Claire for 53 years. They were blessed with 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
He always said his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a husband for 52 years (53 years, August 5), a father for 51 years, a grandfather for 30 years, and a great grandfather for 2 years. His second greatest accomplishment was being known as the author of the Surfing Rainbow Series and being the original rainbow surfer. He was always on a mission to present to the world a better way to live. His belief was that the purpose of your life is outrageous joy. He was always pursuing this dream with conviction. Look for him in rainbows if you ever want to connect to him. You will feel his presence.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vickie; daughters, Chanal of Madison, WI, Melissa of Verona, WI, son, Nathan (Nicki), of St Louis Park, MN, daughters, Nickie and Danielle (NickieDanie) of Eau Claire, WI; siblings, Dennis (Mary Ellen), David, Ben (Sue), Maureen Kent, Bernie (Cheryl), Marcia (Rod) Berger, Bob (Nancy), and Bill; grandchildren, Brody (Miranda), Addisyn, Reese, Coen, Mabel, Rhett; great-grandchildren, Logan and Riley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Hubert and Helen Brunner, brother, Dean, brother-in-law, Peter Kent and niece, Kassie Brunner.
A celebration of a life well-loved, will be held on Saturday August 9, 2025, at the Residence Inn, in the meeting room off the lobby from 3pm to 7pm at 4466 Princeton Ridge Dr Eau Claire, WI 54703. Interment will be at a later date at Rest Haven Cemetery located at 5750 Old Town Hall Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701.
Dale requested a party, not a funeral. Please wear bright, rainbow colors to celebrate his commitment to being a rainbow surfer.
As Dale requested, all memorials will go into a special needs trust with Wispact to help with future needs of his twin daughters, Danielle and Nickie.
A very special thank you to Mayo Hospice and Integra for their amazing support and care of Dale. He really appreciated being able to be at home, surrounded by family.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is serving my family. Please share a memory online at www.chippewavalleycremation.com.
