Carl M. Brunken, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Emerald Care & Rehab in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 16, at 10:30 AM at North Park Church in Columbus with Pastor Lyn Hansen officiating.  Visitation will be on Thursday, from 10:00 AM until service time, also at the church.  Private family interment will be held in Shell Creek Baptist Cemetery, rural Columbus.

Carl M. Brunken was born in Columbus, Ne at the Lutheran hospital February 17th, 1940, to Milton and Louise (Lohr) Brunken. While growing up his education was through Colfax County Public Schools until his high school years. His school reports would indicate timeliness and leadership-like characteristics. He graduated from Clarks High School in 1958. Besides being helpful on the farm, Carl joined the Navy in 1962. He served on the USS Tarawa and USS Gropel as the ship's engine mechanic until 1965. In the time after his service, he worked at D&L for 40 years and met his beloved wife Terry Kohtz through friends. They were married in Clarks, Nebraska on April 2, 1983. Carl loved his family very much and would help where he could. Along with his service to family he served at North Park Church from the early seventies until his passing.

Carl is survived by:
Son: Jeffery A. Brunken of Columbus, NE
Nephews: James (Hilary) and Nick both of Clarks, NE
Nieces: Mistina and Amanda both of NE, and Becky Bales of Columbus, NE
Siblings: Fern (Peter) Boldt of St. Catherine's Ontario, Canada
Irene Johnston of Platte Center, NE
Karen Tholen of Macomb, MI

Carl was preceded in death by:
Wife: Terry Brunken
Parents: Milton and Louise Brunken
Grand Parents: John and Marie Brunken, Louis and Elizabeth Lohr
Siblings: Louis, Richard, Marrianne, Sharen
Nephew: Wayne Brunken