Deacon Willard “Bill” Brunsman, a long-serving deacon in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, died on September 28, 2025 at the age of 89. He was ordained as a permanent deacon on September 26, 1976 by Archbishop Joseph Bernardin and served the Archdiocese for forty-nine years.

After his ordination, Deacon Brunsman was first assigned to St. Mary Parish in Oxford. In 1991, he moved to Queen of Peace Parish in Millville and later to St. Aloysius Parish in Shandon in 2008, where he continued his ministry until his death.

In recognition of his commitment to Christian values, Deacon Brunsman received the Elder High School Christian Leadership Award in 2024. The award is presented to individuals from the Elder community who demonstrate strong Christian principles.

Deacon Brunsman is survived by his wife Betty, with whom he shared a marriage of 68 years. He also leaves behind five children—Gregory, Timothy, Joseph, Maria and Patrick—their spouses, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Four brothers also survive him; he was preceded in death by his sister.

Honoring Deacon Brunsman's decision to donate his body to medical science, a Memorial Mass will be held instead of a traditional Mass of Christian Burial. The service is scheduled for Monday, October 6, 2025 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Shandon at 11:00 am. Visitation will take place at the church from 9 am until the start of Mass.

"Please keep the repose of the soul of Deacon Bill Brunsman in your prayers, as well as peace and consolation for his entire family."