Jeremy Edward Brunner, age 37, of Evanston, formerly of Skokie, died July 12, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.  He was born September 18, 1982 to Edward and Mary Brunner, and was adored by his late grandmother Virginia Pharr. The beloved husband of Heather Kathleen, nee Astwood; devoted father of Magdalena (5), Sebastian (3), and Augustine (10 mos), Jeremy will be dearly missed by his siblings Joy (Joe), Joseph (Shayne), Julie, Jeanne (Dar’Keith), and Jillian (Charlie), Anne Marie (Rich), Bunny (Tom), Ted (Marie), and Jack (Herb).  Jeremy will always be remembered by his 18 nieces and nephews as “Uncle Jer Bear”.

Jeremy was a graduate of Niles North High School, Illinois Wesleyan University where he was a member of the Acacia Fraternity, and John Marshall Law School where he graduated with his juris doctorate and masters of law with honors from the Center for Taxation and Employee Benefits.  A dedicated attorney, Jeremy was a member of the Illinois Bar Association and a member of the social fraternities Top Men and Tater Tots.  Employed at Orenstein Associates, he litigated on behalf of clients in front of the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission as well as appeals at the Circuit Court. Jeremy’s career was cut short just as he was starting his own practice.

Jeremy was a talented musician and loved attending concerts and music festivals, where he and his wife would test photographic theories of “Jeremy Stands Next to Someone Tall”.  His high school friends will always remember his humorous love song written to Camille, the rubber chicken.  A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, Jeremy brought his family together to watch football every Sunday in winter.  A lover of trivia, Jeremy was asked to be a “phone-a-friend” for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and got the question correct!  Jeremy’s famous mashed potatoes were a staple of every holiday dinner, and his fried chicken was a special Easter tradition.  He and Heather loved snuggle time with their children most of all.  Jeremy will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and his kind soul.  To know Jeremy was to love him.  

In compliance with health and safety guidelines during the pandemic, the visitation, funeral mass, and interment will be private.  The Astwood-Brunner family will hold a public celebration of Jeremy’s life in the future.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Wellness Center of Northbrook, 215 Revere Dr., Northbrook, IL, 60062, in his honor.

To support the Brunner children, thank you for considering a donation to https://www.gofundme.com/f/heather-and-jeremy.

Funeral info:  847.673.6111.