Obituary of Bryce Anunson

Bryce Evans Anunson, age 77, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at GNP Country Estates Assisted Living Center in Wisconsin Rapids. Bryce was born on April 8, 1934 in Madison, WI, the son of Russell L. & Anne (McClain) Anunson. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. He worked his way through High School at a bakery and later helped run a couple local root beer stands. He worked at Lakelawn Lodge in Lake Delavan for a couple of summers and eventually got a job as a Swing Cook in Rockford, Illinois. Bryce served in the US Army from 1956 to 1957, where he had the opportunity to sample a variety of foods in nine countries while stationed in Germany. He married Beverly Mae Eberhardt on June 27, 1959, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kellner, WI. He graduated from Culinary Arts School in Madison, Wisconsin, and later was hired by the Mead Inn, where he was the Executive Chef for 32 years. He was named Wisconsin Restaurateur of the Year in 1985. Bryce was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fly fishing, Great Lakes fishing & camping for 20 years in Algoma, WI. He enjoyed golfing, wood working, oil painting, gardening, music & singing. In 1975 he won a local singing contest and recorded his first album, "Bryce Anunson Sings Country & Religious Favorites". He sang for numerous weddings and funerals, was a member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church Choir & the Praise the Lord Quartet, He called and choreographed for the Circle 8 Square Dancers. He was a member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church where he was known for singing "Oh Holy Night" annually on Christmas Eve, his wonderful potato soup and was instrumental in starting the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Gary (Kay) Anunson, Pollock Pines, CA; his sister Susan Marchand, Windsor, Ontario; his 7 children, Becky (Donn) Krenz, Wisc. Rapids, Todd Anunson, Wisc. Rapids; Amy (Mark Maier) Anunson, Portage; Chad (Dyan) Anunson, Hudson; Wendy (Dion) Okeson, Pardeeville; Wade (Heather) Anunson, Madison; Heath (Kelly) Anunson, Rhinelander; his 16 grandchildren: Jessica (Travis) Bittelman, Joshua, Jenna, and Javan Krenz, Casey Wheeler, Courtney & Carley Anunson, Nathan, Nicholas and Jordyn Ubinger, Taylor Okeson, Stephen, Ashley and Cameron Anunson, Chase Lassig and Finnley Anunson, and 2 Great grandchildren Aubrey Schubert and Tanner Bittelman, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and great friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly in 2006, his parents, his brothers Lee and Reed Anunson and his sister Gwyneth Anunson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2011, at St. Luke?s Lutheran Church with Deacon Jim Johnston officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Hill Mausoleum. Family & friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at the Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and at the church on December 12, 2011 from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff of GNP Country Estates Assisted Living and Ministry Home Care Hospice for taking such wonderful care of him and keeping him comfortable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bryce Anunson Memorial Fund, for a memorial to be determined at a later date.