Richard "Dick" Craig Brunton, 69, of Batavia, IL passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at his home in Batavia. He was born February 28, 1951, in Louisville, KY, the son of Robert and Dorothy Brunton (Reichenbach). Dick was united in marriage to his best friend, Bonnie Lynne Walker, on April 12, 1980, in Itasca, IL.
Dick is an alum of Lake Park High School's class of 1969, where he starred in football, wrestling, and chorus. He then earned a football scholarship to Illinois State University, where he became known to many as "Bear." After graduation, Dick planned to become a history teacher and high school coach; however, a chance interview with O. Alfred "Al" Granum landed him in a passionate career with Northwestern Mutual as a financial advisor. He remained with the company for the next 48 years, as it provided him the opportunity to connect with people during the good times and, most importantly, be there for them and help them smile through the tough times.
After moving to Batavia in 1986, he became active in his community in both formal and informal positions with Batavia public schools, sports, and churches. For a time, Dick was President of the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, where he helped increase funding for scholarships given to Batavia students. For many years, Dick was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he and Bonnie led church youth programs and helped teach confirmation classes. He was a coach of the many little league baseball and soccer teams his children played on, and could be seen (and heard) along the sidelines throughout their youth. Dick volunteered countless hours to the Batavia Bulldog Boosters, from grilling thousands of hot dogs and corn, to announcing varsity soccer games. He was there on the campouts and adventures with his kids while they were in scouting, drove endless miles to tournaments and practices, was in the front row for their performances, and could always be counted on to be there at any event his kids participated in. In his later years, when he wasn't spotted driving around town "just to say hi" to everyone, he could be seen visiting and photographing the wildlife at Fermilab and at various spots in the Fox Valley Tri-Cities.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his son, Craig (Sarah Ernzen); his daughter, Lauren (Brian Lang), and his son, Ian; one grandson, Henry Brunton; a brother Robert (Carol) Brunton; and many nieces and nephews, both real and "fake."
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy.
Visitation to celebrate Dick's life and share the many memories and conversations will be held 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Moss Family Funeral Home, located at 209 South Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL 60510.
Dick will be laid to rest in West Batavia Cemetery where a private graveside service will be held.
"I think it's important to try and make people feel wanted or liked... you don't have to be friends, but it's another human being that, at that moment, may need someone to notice them. I want to be that person."
- Dick
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Living Well Cancer Resource Center, 442 Williamsburg Ave, Geneva, IL 60134, www.livingwellcrc.org or Batavia Foundation of Educational Excellence P.O. Box 1003 Batavia, IL 60510 or www.bataviafoundation.org or The Navy SEAL Foundation, 1619 D Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23459, www.navysealfoundation.org
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions of occupancy, the visitation will be limited. All visitors entering the funeral home are required to wear a face covering. Be prepared to wait outside if occupancy becomes and issue. Due to the number of people who would like to pay their respects, we ask that you make your visitation a brief one so that all who would like to attend will have a chance to do so. Once you have exited the funeral home, we ask you to depart immediately so there are no gatherings outside of our facility. The family appreciates your sincere cooperation during these very challenging and difficult times. For additional clarification, please contact the funeral home or family directly.
February 28, 1951 - October 6, 2020 
