Alan Brunkhorst

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, Alan “Buck” Keith Brunkhorst, 85, passed away in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; three children: Brock (Josie) Brunkhorst, Brett Brunkhorst Carlino and Brynn (Daniel) O’Connell; grandchildren: Billie, Kennedy, Bo and Britton Brunkhorst, Matthew (Mandi), Jack and Catherine Carlino, Bucky (Christina) O’Connell, McKenna (Jack) Hutt and Ryan and Claire O’Connell; great-grandchild, Cade O’Connell and brother, Brian (Stephanie) Brunkhorst.

Buck was preceeded in death by his parents, Cathryn and Arlyn Brunkhorst; brother, John Brunkhorst, and sister, Beth Brunkhorst.

He was born in Owen and attended Abbotsford High School and Wisconsin State College (Eau Claire), where he played basketball.

After receiving his Masters in Physical Education from Winona State College, he became the varsity football coach at Auburndale High School, followed by New Berlin High.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, he became a NBA referee. During this time, Buck and Nancy also co-owned a tavern (The Gym) and a laundromat near Marquette University in Milwaukee. In the mid 70’s, Buck and Nancy started a home building company in the suburbs of Milwaukee.

In 1978, in search of warmer weather, they moved their family out to Paradise Valley, Ariz. They continued their custom home building company, Nance Construction, and with Buck’s many connections in the sports world, this led to lots of success and to this day, Nance Construction remains one of the preeminent custom home builders in the valley.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Feb. 24, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A celebration to follow at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of The Valley.

Paid obituary 132292