Anthony "Tony" Brunner, age 52, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, December 11, 2008, in his home.

Anthony John was born July 31, 1956, in New Ulm, MN, the son of Thomas and Rose (Jackson) Brunner. At the childhood age of four, Tony moved with his family to the Mahnomen area, where he grew up and attended school. As a young man, Tony began farming with his father and brother.

Tony was united in marriage to Marilyn and they were blessed with one son, Ryan. The couple made their home in Mahnomen. In April of 1989, a farming accident disabled Tony, placing him in a wheelchair. Following his accident, he continued to live in Mahnomen and kept busy working as a mechanic and welder. Whether it was hunting or fishing, Tony loved being in the outdoors. He always enjoyed a good hunt and over the years shot many trophy animals.

Tony was a private person and you never heard him complain or burden anyone else with his troubles. He kept a positive outlook on life and was very much looking forward to becoming a grandfather of twins! Family and friends were an important part of his life and he cherished the times they spent together. His quick wit and smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Tony is survived by a son, Ryan Brunner and his fiancé, Rochelle Nelson, of Detroit Lakes; his parents, Rose and Thomas Brunner of Mahnomen; five brothers: Rick (Judy) of Sebeka, MN, Matthew (Sherri) of Moorhead, MN, David (Mary Jo) of Detroit Lakes, Alan (Sara) of Mahnomen and Phillip of Moorhead, MN; one sister, Lesa Brunner of Mahnomen and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 16th at 2 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held Monday, December 15th from 6-8 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN.