Michael A. Bruntjen

BRUNTJEN

Michael A. Bruntjen, 68 of Forsyth, IL. passed away at his home Monday November 13, 2023.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Thursday November 16, 2023, at First Christian Church (3350 N. MacArthur Road Decatur, IL. 62526). The funeral service will be at 10:00 am. Friday November 17, 2023, also at the church. The burial will be in Illini Township Cemetery Warrensburg. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.

Michael was born in July of 1955, to John H. and Dorothy W. Bruntjen of Illiopolis, IL. He married Diana Laughlin in March of 1976. Michael was a lifelong farmer who took great pride in his life’s work. He valued the generations of farmers before him who helped to give him a start and make farming possible for him. He in turn was proud to pass on the tradition to his own family. Though farming left little time for hobbies, he became a marathon runner and completed many races including the Boston Marathon in 2000. Mike enjoyed trips to the Rocky Mountains, hiking with his sons and wife and camping under the stars. Mike served on school boards at Illiopolis. He was a deacon and then elder at Illiopolis Christian Church D.O.C. He spent time visiting at the hospitals. In later years, after moving from the farm to Forsyth, Decatur First Christian Church became important to him and he looked forward to worship there.

Michael leaves behind his wife of 47 years, two sons, Adam M. Bruntjen (Elizabeth) of Forsyth, Eric W. Bruntjen of rural Decatur, two grandchildren, Liam and Sophie, three sisters, Gail E. Bruntjen, Rise’ L. Foote and Carol A. Phillips, one brother, John S. Bruntjen.