Dear ORUCC,

Beloved member Thea Brunsell passed away and we will hold a Garth service at ORUCC on Sunday, April 13th at 12 noon for Thea which is open to the ORUCC community. We remember Thea and her remarkable life and legacy with love and admiration. 

With love,

Pastor Julia

Obituary for Thea Brunsell

Our mother, Thea La Budde Brunsell peacefully passed away March 11th. Thea was 100 ½, born July 16, 1924. She grew up in Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1956 Thea moved to Evansville Wisconsin with her husband, William Carlin Brunsell. Thea enjoyed her last eight years living at Oakwood Village in Madison, where her family, care companions and community supported her with love, admiration and affection.

Thea was the daughter of LeRoy and Thea La Budde and the middle child of two brothers, Donald Christian and Leroy (Roy) La Budde.



Thea attended the University of Michigan in 1942. After her father’s unexpected death, she returned to Milwaukee to care for her mother as both brothers were preparing to go to war. While in transition, Thea attended the Downer School for Girls and made lifelong and even famous friends. Thea and her childhood friend, Colleen Dewhurst, who became a broadway actress, were well known for their antics ands improv comedy routines entertaining people on the public transit bus. Thea returned to Michigan in 1947 and completed her degree in Social Work.

As a graduation gift, Thea’s aunts sent her to Europe aboard the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary to visit old family in Basel, Germany. Upon her return her brother Roy, decided it was high time for her to meet a “suitable” young man. Roy introduced Thea to his close friend and classmate at Harvard University, Bill Brunsell. Thea said when she met Bill for the first time, she was swept off her feet and her never ending love, friendship and admiration for him endured for over 69 years.

In Milwaukee, Bill practiced law at Michael, Best, Friedrich & Sons, and Thea gave birth to her two children, Annie and Paul. In 1956, Thea and Bill moved to Evansville, Wisconsin. Bill was given the opportunity with his brother-in-law, Nimmer Adamany, to buy the Grange Store and with his brother, Bob Brunsell, help manage the 4-B farms.

Thea and Bill were blessed to have many years of adventure with their children, Annie, Paul and daughter-in-law, Maribeth Brunsell. Thea baked many, many chocolate chip cookies and M&M cakes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Paul Mark Suprenand (wife, Lisa and Jack and Kai); Monet Campbell (children Madison and Aiden); Zack Brunsell (wife Maggie); Kelly (Brunsell) Christman and (husband Max); plus…her 28+ nieces, nephews and their families. For 40 years, Thea and Bill hosted their families at Dairyman’s in Boulder Junction; Mom playing golf, cards and Russian Bank and Dad, baiting, catching, filleting and frying fish fresh from the Northern lakes with kids in tow.

Thea has always been on a spiritual quest and had a passion to study the Bible. At the age of 12, she rewrote the New Testament in a child’s vernacular up to Deuteronomy. Thea continued her spiritual journey, studying under Rabbi Manfred Swarsensky at Edgewood College and obtaining a degree in Christian Education.

Thea focused her education and passion toward humanitarian causes, holding invaluable volunteer positions as a social activist and peacemaker at local, state and national levels.

On a local level in Evansville, Thea started the Head Start Program; she was the original coordinator for Meals on Wheels; she was an all-capacity volunteer at the Care Closet; Thea was Chair of the United Church of Christ (UCC) social action Committee, devoted to protesting nuclear arms; and Chair of the UCC Constitutional Committee.

On a state level, Thea was involved with the UCC Long Range Planning Committee and was offered the State Moderator role. However, Thea wanted a larger impact on peace and became an activist for the National Board for World Ministries, responsible for all overseas works of the denomination.

In 1984, Thea and Bill, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s book; “Man’s Search for Meaning”, became involved in mission work through the Church of Our Savior in Washington D.C. and traveled to Russia as peace ambassadors to help bridge the gaps in understandings. When Thea and Bill moved to Oakwood, leaving their home of 59 years, she continued her social advocacy through the Life Enrichment Committee; started a Grief for Widows group and was active as a senator for Tabor Assisted Living, giving their voice and representation to the larger Oakwood board. Thea also authored the book, “Why I Love Oakwood” which can be found in the Oakwood library today.

Above all else, Thea believed her role was to be by her husband creating a loving home. She was a prolific gardener, planting over 200 annuals each year. She was a formidable opponent in golf, tennis, backgammon and bridge. She was a great photographer, filling over 32 albums and over 26 carousels of treasured memories from our home and trips abroad. Thea was the central focus of our family, arranging many gatherings that brought people together to celebrate life. She was a founding member of Evansville Supper Club and Bridge Club that endured with the same friends for over 50 years.

Thea’s axiom was, “I’ll do anything as long as I am safe, warm, dry and secure.” However, she managed to join Bill in Hobie Cat sailing, canoeing on the Sugar River, skiing in the Colorado Rockies, rafting the Green River and traveling the world….literally…with “no reservations!”

Thea held the belief that she was a spiritual being having a temporary human experience rather than a human being having a temporary spiritual experience. Thea graciously and lovingly added beauty to this earth. We do not say good by but rather: “until we meet again Thea.”

We will remember Thea Brunsell as our mother, friend, devoted activist, and inspirational mentor. Thea began each day embracing the courage to be, holding onto to the will to do the next best thing and celebrating the joy… to keep on… keeping on.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agrace Hospice or the charity of your choice.