Colonel Roy C. Brunhart, USAF Retired

Colonel Roy C. Brunhart, USAF retired, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. Roy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 21, 1925, the oldest son of four children of Andrew and Dorothy Brunhart. He had a happy childhood in Milwaukee with his family. Colonel Brunhart began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 1943 at age 17. A year later, he landed as a rifleman with the 100th Infantry Division in Marseille, France. He received the Purple Heart for bravery behind enemy lines. Thereafter, he returned to the United States to enter the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York graduating in June of 1949. Selecting the Air Force upon graduation, he became a T-6 and B-25 flying instructor. After 4 years, he was assigned to Seoul, South Korea (1954) and subsequently Tokyo, Japan (1955). Returning to the U.S. in 1956, he spent numerous years at various Air Force Bases including: Air Force Recruiting (Boston, Massachusetts), Basic Military Training (Lackland AFB, Texas), Command Staff School (Maxwell AFB, Alabama). Upon graduation he was reassigned to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem, Germany and later transferred to Laredo AFB, Texas (August 1966). A Command Pilot with 4, 600 flying hours, Colonel Brunhart's decorations include the Bronze Star with an oak leaf and valor cluster, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. Colonel Brunhart retired from his Air Force career in 1979. Roy lived in Anchorage, Alaska for 35 years where he enjoyed the beauty of America's last frontier. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending numerous hours in the wilderness. He continued his passion for flying while in Alaska and was a member of the Six Mile Sportsman Club. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years (1987), Annemarie Tenten-Brunhart; brother, John Brunhart; sister, Barbara Hospel (Hans); son, Kenneth McCaskey (Mary); daughters: Katherine Robertson (Rex), Carolyn Anderson (Ryan), Patricia Tighe (Steven), and Leslie Anderson; Sarah Roller (mother of his children); step-daughters: Monica Bell, Rita Bierhahn, Erica Kaspari, and Dorothee Tenten; numerous nieces and nephews; 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Colonel Brunhart was predeceased by his brother, Andrew Brunhart, Jr. Services will be celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia and subsequent burial with full military honors on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Please share your memories of Roy and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook link below.