On the evening of September 20, 2018, Tricia Brunken passed away peacefully of natural causes in the company of her family in Helena, Montana. She was 72 years old.
Tricia was born in Missoula, Montana on October 4, 1945. She was the second daughter of Leonard and Evelyn Krout. She began playing piano at the age of seven, and it was obvious she had a true talent and passion for music. While attending Missoula County High School, in addition to piano, she played clarinet in the band and orchestra. She was also an accompanist for the choir and individuals at music festivals.
After graduating in 1963, she attended the University of Montana to study music. It was during her time there that she met her future husband, Norman Brunken, who was also active in the music department. Norm and Tricia were married in 1964.
Following Norm’s graduation, the newlyweds moved to Libby, Montana where Norm taught band. In March of 1966, Tricia gave birth to their first daughter, Leisa, and in May of 1968, their second daughter, Laura was born. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Polson, Montana, and in 1973 the family moved to Helena where they have remained.
While living in Helena, Tricia was an active musician, widely known for her beautiful piano playing and piano instruction. In addition to her own teaching practice, she played the piano and organ for a number of churches. For some time, she was the Director of Music for musicals at Grand Street Theater in Helena, where she directed and played piano in local musicals. She was also a dedicated supporter and volunteer of the Helena High Band, which Norm directed. In her volunteer work with the band, she was a giving mentor and teacher, and her influence on the band was widely recognized. Later in life she continued to contribute to Helena’s musical community by working at Piccolo’s Music. She was truly an exceptional, life-long musician.
Most importantly however, Tricia is best loved for being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be missed by many.
Tricia was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Evelyn, as well as her eldest daughter Leisa.
Tricia is survived by her husband, Norm; her daughter Laurie; her two sisters Karen Krout and Vicky Lichty; and her brother Paul Krout.
A celebration of Tricia’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H., 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Tricia will be interred separately in the company of her family at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on Tricia’s behalf to the Helena State Capital Band (237 Greenwood, Helena, MT 59601) or to a local charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Wednesday September 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Wednesday September 26, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Mary Runkel says
Tricia had a lovely smile and spirit with positive accolades for young people at Smith School. She was a lovely advocate for my Mother when she was a long term resident in a care facility. She was a thoughtful gracious lady and I feel honored she impacted my family’s life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Karen says
Rest In Peace Aunt Tricia.
Joe Schendel says
Trish was a wonderful giving person to many in the Helena community. She certainly gave much to both of my children at a time when they really needed her gentle spirit and care. Trish touched three generations of our family with consistent care and she shared her talents without reservation. Thank you so much Trish and you and your family will be in our thoughts.
Gayla Kozun says
Uncle Norman, Laurie and family, sending my heart felt condolences at this difficult time. Auntie Tricia was a beautiful person inside and out and is now resting peacefully. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. I bet her and Mom are catching up already. All my love, Gayla.
Pam Kemp says
I only knew Tricia through her book Tough–No Matter What. Her devotion to family and faith came through clearly. She and Leisa will both be together again, free of pain.
Laurie McHugh says
Norm and Laurie,
I’m sending you heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Fugleberg family. I am in Helena this weekend for Carroll’s Homecoming. I just opened the Sunday paper and was saddened to see Tricia’s obituary. I was amazed by the number of memories that came to me. It’s been years since you lived in Polson, but I still remember Tricia twirling the baton in the Polson parades. I remember running to your house to play with Laurie and Leisa, and hearing Tricia playing the piano. I remember the garage sale you had before you moved. I was so sad you were leaving, but I did get Laurie or Leisa’s “Crazy Wheel” out of the deal, so that made it a little better! The time I came to stay with your family for a week during high school is another wonderful memory. I also remember my visit with Norm and Tricia at the bookstore in Missoula after she published her book. I wasn’t sure they’d remember me, but Tricia laughed and said, “Laurie Sue Wugabug?” This apparently was Laurie’s 5 year-old pronunciation of Fugleberg! Though it’s been years since I’ve seen your family, I was able to keep up a little on your family’s news through the Christmas cards Tricia sent my dad. It was always so nice to know she stayed in touch with him. I am thinking of you, and am so sorry for your loss. I hope it provides some comfort to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie (Fugleberg) McHugh
David Hardy says
So sorry to hear of Tricia”s passing. I have many fond memories of Hardy/Brunken family get togethers over many years. My thoughts are with you, Norm and Laurie, in this difficult time.
Marci & Steve Lynn says
Norm and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Tricia was a kind and caring woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kerry Hughes says
Mr. Brunken and Laurie,
I was saddened to read about Mrs Brunken’s passing. I will always remember living 2 houses apart from you and being neighbors. I have fond memories of you all and taking piano lessons. Mrs. B was so patient, kind and gentle with my less than average skills. I will forever remember her letting me off the hook (probably sparing herself the off note skills!) and having your little dog say words like “mama” ! It blew me away she taught that little dog to sing!!!!!! I pray for The Lords peace, healing and especially His love to surround you. God Bless
Kerry (Ware) Hughes’s
Nancy & Richard Trudell says
Dear Norm and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rubin A. says
Mr. Brunken and family,
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Trust in the Lord for comfort during this time of tribulation.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” -Matthew 5:4
Ronda Bengtson Ward says
Norm and Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of Trish’s passing. She will be missed. Although our paths have went different ways, I never forgot how you all welcomed me into your home, lives, friendship, and being around Leisa and Laurie. I loved it. You were all so giving. Your home was a home away from home during the difficult years that high school can bring. Trish always had words of encouragement and comfort. I will never forget. You are all in my thoughts and prayers always,
Niles and Bobbie Nelson says
Dear Norm and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Trish’s untimely passing. In thinking about the 1960’s when you and Trish came to Libby, the memories are numerous during those early years and the continued friendship through the years has been wonderful. We always enjoyed Trish’s “up” attitude and outgoing personality, even after losing a child….it was always amazing to us……..her light shined brightly! You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.
Cathie, Gary & Turner James Schoer says
Tricia’s Family, It was so sad to read of Tricia’s passing. I remember how excited Turner was to go to piano lessons with Tricia. He went on get his degree in Music Theory at the UofM. When we moved from Helena to Billings in 2001, I remember Tricia, Turner and I crying when Turner had his final lesson with her. Our family sends our prayers to your family. You are in our thoughts!
Kathy Stuart says
Tricia was full of smiles, hope and such a good listener. She was always interested in you and I was honored to be a relative. Such a kind soul and a warm heart. I will miss you cousin!
Love to Laurie and family, Norm, Karen, Vicky and Paul.
Prayers and thoughts to you all.
Steve & Linnea says
Norm and Laurie,
We enjoyed visiting with you and Tricia at the U M Homecoming festivities. Tricia was always gracious and was great conversationalist. While we haven’t lived in Helena for over two decades, we remember the numerous contributions Tricia made to the Helena music community. You will have great memories to continue sharing as you grieve your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you.
Steve & Linnea (HHS, c 78-93)
Neal Whitney says
Norm and family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Patricia, or as we referred to her, “Mrs. Brunken”. We have many fond High School memories of the way she donated her time to accompany our groups at music festivals and performances. I remember one particular time that she made a band arrangement of a song simply by listening to it. The training and talent that this took was amazing. She was an extremely talented and caring woman and she will be missed.
Neal and Jacque Whitney
Mikal Pillatzke says
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Brunkem’a passing. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always have fond memories of piano lessons in the back room. She was able to pass along a beautiful gift to me that I will treasure. I remember her talking about how much she loved Leisa and that I reminded her of her……I hope you can take comfort knowing they are together now. Sending all my love.
AMY (Nelson) Knutson says
Norm….am so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing! Praying for the comfort and strength that only God can provide!
PS: I apologize for being such a brat in High School Band!
Jennifer Bennett says
Dear Norm and Laurie,
I am sending my heartfelt sympathy to you for your loss of Tricia. Not only was Mrs. Brunken my piano teacher and neighbor, she was also my best friend Leisa’s wonderful mother. Tricia was such a kind, lovely lady, with a great sense of humor and an amazing laugh. She was so very proud of her loving family. Sending you warm thoughts, my love, and many prayers. Jenny (Vashro) Bennett
Tom Pugh says
Norm and Laurie,
I am so sorry. Trish was such an important part of my life growing up. She accompanied so many of us at District music festivals I remember that she would have to run between our performances. I will always remember that she would end her sentences with a gentle laugh. Thank you Norm for you and Trish welcoming us into your home in Polson, i still remember evenings with Ron, Clipper, Tom and me at your house. She was a major influence on me, she helped me grow as a person and as a musician. I am thinking of you, I will call soon. Please call and visit Julia and me in Eugene if you travel to Oregon.
Tom Pugh
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Mr. Brunken, Laurie and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman she was…sending my sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
Mark Hutchinson says
Norm, Laurie and family,
Please accept my condolences for the passing of your wife and mother. She was never anything but gracious and encouraging of me from my days as a student and growing beyond to fellow musician and friend in the years that followed..thank you for sharing her with us. She was a wonderful asset to the quality of life in Helena…she will be missed and you both will be in my thoughts .
Paul Wanders says
Mr Brunken, Laurie & Fmaily. I Am So Sadden To Hear Of The Passing Of Your Incredible Wife. As A Former Student Of Your Wonderful Leadershipr Back In 1985 My Start Of The Begining Of A Very Memerobile Musical Of Long Lasting Happy Memories Of You & Trish. From The Memorible Trip Of The Worlds Fair In Vancover BC To The Both Of You Keeping The Capital City Band Alive & Trish Jumping In On ANY Musical Accompanant That Was Needed & I Mean ANY WHERE There In Helena Trish Would Jump In. I Also Would Like To Thank The Both Of You As A Pastors Son Much Older In Life Now My Gragitude & Thankfulness For Your Musical Service To The Years My Dad Was Pastor There At Covenant Methodist Church Back In The 1980 & 90’s. To Love Music Is To Really Defind & Describe Trish Brunken. You Will Be Truely Missed.
Rebecca Foor (Maphies) says
Mrs. Brunken was an awesome lady. She always played the piano for my recitals. Her husband was absolutely amazing and I miss him terribly. I have nothing but positive stories to tell my son about my experiences in the Band. From the world expedition in Vancouver British Columbia to playing on the lawn of the White House. My son has followed in my foot prints playing the clarinet and his high school band. ❤️