Paul W. Bruenger, 89, of Quincy, Illinois, formerly of Loraine, passed away at 7:35 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy.

Born on August 16, 1936, in Loraine, he was the son of William and Margaret (Kammerer) Bruenger. Paul graduated with the Unity High School Class of 1954.

He proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army, stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1956 to 1958 during the Cold War. Paul and Bonnie Ehmen were married on June 14, 1959, at Salem Lutheran Church in Mendon. They enjoyed over 67 years of marriage together, and she survives.

Paul worked at Adams Telephone Co-op for 31 years until his retirement. He also farmed throughout his life, a vocation he cherished, retiring from farming in 2015. After retirement, Bonnie and Paul enjoyed traveling around the country. Paul was deeply involved in his community, serving as Past President of the Loraine Lions Club, President of the Adams County Fair Board, a member of the Adams County Board District 6, and Bear Creek American Legion Post #823 Military Detail.

He most enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He found great joy outdoors, attending tractor pulls and rodeos, fishing, hunting, and spending winters at Lake Havasu, Arizona, for over 16 years. His pond became a favorite gathering spot for family and friends, where many cherished memories were made.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie Bruenger of Quincy; sons, Scott (Loretta) Bruenger of Loraine and Randy (Lisa) Bruenger of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren, Ross (Jordan) Bruenger, Seth (Nadia) Bruenger, Tucker (Torrie) Bruenger, and Hunter Bruenger; great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Shea, Colt, Paisley, and Aven; sister, Charlotte Shupe; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, David Paul Bruenger and Todd Lee Bruenger, grandson, Todd Turner, and sister, Dorothy Standbridge.

Funeral services for Paul will be held at 11:00 a.m. On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois. Rev. Ron Tallcott will officiate the service. Burial, with military honors by the United States Army Funeral Detail and the Bear Creek American Legion Post #823, will follow at Golden Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Golden, Illinois.

Visitation will take place Thursday morning at J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Loraine Community Church, the Loraine Lions Club, or Bear Creek American Legion Post #823.