Francis Brunton

Francis Brunton

June 21, 1946 - August 20, 2025

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Obituary

Francis “Fran” Albert Brunton, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 surrounded by his family. 

Fran was born the son of Frank and Celesta (Wilkinson) Brunton on June 21, 1946 in Platteville, Wisconsin and grew up on a farm. Fran married his high school sweetheart, Joellen Burkholder on March 12, 1966. Together they raised four children.

Fran attended MATC in Madison earning a business degree.  He then served in the Army for 2 years during the Vietnam era. Most knew Fran from the auto parts store he owned and ran (Big A and F & S Auto Parts).

Fran was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. A passion he shared with his children and grandchildren.

Fran is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joellen. He is also survived by his daughters Michelle (Bill) Zasada of East Dubuque and Sherri Brunton (Burt Kettler) of Platteville and his sons Bill (Kelli) Brunton of Monroe and Mike Brunton (Heather Templeton) of Platteville, grandchildren Brandon, Cody, Alyssa, and Amanda Zasada; Joel (Amanda) VanNatta, Jesica (Kent) Schuler, and Derek Heins; Spencer, Alicia, Melana, and Isabella Brunton; and Kylee (Voshon), Jordan, Caryssa, and Hunter Brunton along with 10 great grandchildren. Fran was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ann Brodie.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Jackie (special care giver), Agrace Hospice and Lafayette Manor for their care and compassion given to Fran. 

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Francis
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Robert Enloe
Other •
Condolences and a memory Francy and Ann - Judy and Bob on the porch at Aunt Barbara Jane’s house in Platteville and spitting watermelon seeds off the back stoop … that may have been a bit of a contest! Robert
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Robert Enloe
Other •
Condolences and a memory Francy and Ann - Judy and Bob on the porch at Aunt Barbara Jane’s house in Platteville and spitting watermelon seeds off the back stoop … that may have been a bit of a contest! Robert
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Karen Schmit Garthwaite
Other •
So sorry for your family's loss!!
GK
Gary Klar
Other •
My condolences to Fran's family. Francy, his cousin Mike Gehrke and I hit it off first thing in high school. We all shared a common interest in hunting, fishing and working on our old cars to keep them running. I have memories of too many adventures (and perhaps a misadventure or two that I wouldn't admit) to list. At that time you could hunt and fish on almost any neighbor's or relative's land. Our high school years were all fun times in a relaxed period in our lives. After high school we supported each other as we struggled through our military obligation. We participated in each others weddings. And we saw us off to start out careers and raise our families. I am very grateful for the positive influence Francy had on my life. Francy's family can be proud to have had such a wonderful man as husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Gary

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