Obituary of Robert Clyde Brunson

Robert Clyde Brunson

October 10, 1946 – October 19, 2021

Robert Brunson (75), of Burnsville, MN, passed away on October 19. While dealing with congestive heart failure these past few months, he was still enjoying walks, trading commodities and cooking right up until his last day.

Robert was born on October 10, 1946 in Clearwater, FL to Esther Ruth Brunson (Cribb) and Walter Edmund Brunson. He was the oldest of four siblings born to Esther and Walter (brothers Tommy, William and Steve), and was half-siblings to Sandra and Larry. He grew up and spent his childhood in the Brandon area of Tampa Bay, FL.

After graduating from Brandon (FL) High School in 1964, Robert joined the Air Force Reserves. Despite not having the means to attend college, Robert soon proved adept at finding business and corporate success. He rose to meet every challenge in the business world, taking on leadership roles at a very young age, becoming Vice President of Operations of AmiCor in Milan, Italy at age 28.

In 1979, after moving with his family to Le Center, MN, Robert became Vice President of Operations at United Steel Products (USP) in Montgomery, MN. He stayed with USP, and its parent company, for the next 30 years, rising to Group President, Engineered Products of Gibraltar Industries before his retirement in 2009.

Robert’s management skills also applied to civic duty, as he served as Mayor of Le Center from 1989 through 1993. During his tenure, he helped spearhead many civic improvements and economic development projects, including assisting with the creation and recruiting of many currently successful businesses still located and operating at the Le Center Industrial Park.

Robert’s main enjoyments were cooking gourmet meals and his famous Spanish Paella for his family, golfing at the Le Sueur & Montgomery Golf Clubs and boating with his friends and family at Lake Jefferson. He found special joy during retirement in taking quarters off his golfing buddies, Tom Hunt and Gary Factor, while arguing that it was against the rules for Gary to have 23 golf clubs (and 6 beers) in his bag.

He will be missed by his wife of 53 years, Judy, son Travis (wife Jenny), his granddaughters Samantha (23), Katelyn (21) and his friend and companion Lexia Bosch. Grandpa Zeke was most proud of his two granddaughters and was fortunately given enough time to be able to see them become very successful young ladies. His many years with his granddaughters playing “Stupid Mermaid People” in his Cape Coral, FL pool proved to be great training for them. His leadership, his appreciation of humor and especially his “Clyde” take on people and world events will be sorely missed.

Adults are well-trained.

Children can be trained.

Idiots are hopeless.

- Direct quote from Grandpa, referenced in the 2008 children’s book, “The World According to Zeke”, by Samantha (then 10) and Kate (then 7) Brunson.