Helen Marie Brunker

Helen Marie (Lang) Brunker, 98, of Overland Park, formerly of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

She was born September 25, 1925, in Green, Kansas, the daughter of William and Mary (Walker) Lang. She was a 1943 graduate of Green High School. During WW II she was at Douglas Aircraft Company as a "Rosie the riveter".

Helen was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, later provided survey work and assisted her husband in building houses until retiring.

Helen enjoyed baking, especially sweet rolls and pies, volunteering and was active in the Republican Party.

She was a member of Crestview United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women and German American Club in Topeka.

Helen married Lawrence C. "Tiny" Brunker on May 22, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas. He preceded her in death on February 9, 2020. Survivors her two sons, Joe (Melinda) Brunker and Jay Brunker; her grandchildren, Julie (Jon) Hellstern and Stephanie (Jeremy) Franz; her great-grandchildren, Anna, Chloe, Tucker, Remington, Madisyn; her two sisters, Marjorie Anthony and Erma Berger; nieces; nephews; and grand-puppy, Aspen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Shirley Merritt; her brothers, Paul and Rex Lang and her grand-puppy, Autumn.

Honoring her request, cremation is planned. Her family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas, where a celebration of her life will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Private inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery Topeka, Kansas.

Helen's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 Eveningside Dr. Topeka, KS 66614.

To share a memory of Helen or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.