Willa Brunkhorst

Willa K. Brunkhorst passed away November 8, 2020.  Willa was born in Sedalia, Missouri on March 26, 1926, to Harry & Manie Brunkhorst, the fifth of five daughters.

After high school, Willa went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and eventually a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1958.

Willa initially worked at The Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, in Worcester, MA, where she authored/co-authored many research papers.  Later, she was a research scientist for Searle, and others.

Willa retired to Denver, Colorado in the early 1980s, to be closer to family.  She enjoyed traveling, making a number of trips to Europe, as well as Australia, and New Zealand.  She appreciated the arts as well as science.  She had a keen interest in everything from politics to the Denver Broncos, from birding to gourmet cooking.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Manie Brunkhorst, her sisters Artie Lee, Lucille, and Frances, and her colleague and close friend Ailene Herranen.  Sadly, Willa’s remaining sister Ruth passed away only a month after she passed.  Willa is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

At Willa’s request, no services are planned.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Encompass Hospice, and Willa’s friends in the congregation at First Plymouth Congregational Church, for their love and care over the past years.