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Obituary - John Clayton Brundige
Tuesday, December 20, 2011


JOHN CLAYTON BRUNDIGE DDS, age 88, of Sugar Grove, IL passed away peacefully at his home on December 17, 2011.  He was born October 26, 1923 in Detroit, MI, the son of George and Judith Brundige.

Following graduation from high school, John began serving his country during WWII with a medical unit from 1944-1948.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to civilian life graduated college and attended Northwestern University Dental School and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1952. John changed course from his formal education when he became president of Chicago Die Casting Manufacturing Company in 1956, but he volunteered for 15 years in the dental unit of Casa Central in Chicago. 

While he was at Northwestern,  he met and married the love of his life, Marie Koch, and has spent the last 60 years making memories full of laughter and love. 

 John and Marie lived in the suburbs of Chicago in the early years of their marriage, they settled on a farm in Sugar Grove, making it their home for the past 43 years.

John was a member of the Union League Club of Chicago since 1956 and was a Shriner since 1970.  He also was bestowed with the title of Kentucky Colonel by the then Governor of Kentucky, Martha Layne Collins. Those honored with the title, embody an uncommon strength of character, leadership and dedication to the welfare of others.

He had been an avid supporter of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry since the early 1960's. He enjoyed many years of watching his wife, daughter and grandchildren show their many World Champion horses.  His favorite horse of all was their beloved World Champion Countdown Heatwave.

“Dr. John” or “Doc” will always be remembered for his kind spirit, generous heart and never ending love for his wife, children and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marie, four children: John (Carlen) Brundige of  Sugar Grove, Lyle (Jennifer) Brundige of Elburn, Rob (Pete) Brundige of Geneva and Jill (Herbert) Derickson of Wartrace, TN; Seven grandchilren: Levi Brundige, Clayton Brundige, Maggie Brundige, Erica Derickson Way, Maria Derickson, Thomas Derickson and Will Derickson; One sister, Alice Hendrick of Scottsdale, AZ; a niece, Anita (Dan) Weldon; a great-nephew, Luke Weldon and a family of friends.

Private family services have already been held.   In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit Doctors Without Borders and Smile Train an organization that helps children with cleft palates. Checks may be made to the “John Brundige Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

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