Thomas Bruneau

Thomas (Tom) Jerome Bruneau, 72, of Riner, passed away on Wednesday,

May 16th, 2012 at Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery. He was born in Ironwood,

Michigan, on February 13, 1940; son of the late Bertrand and Catherine (Bogun) Bruneau.

He was raised in Gile, Wisconsin and graduated from J.E. Hurley High school in

1958. After high school, he served in the United States Navy.

He went on to further his education receiving a Bachelor's degree in Speech Education in 1967 and a Master's degree in Education in 1969. Both degrees were received at the University of Wisconsin.

He received his PH.D in 1973 in Speech Communication from Penn State University.

He taught at the University of Guam, specializing in interpersonal and intercultural communication. He attended several conferences in China and Japan. He also taught at Radford University specializing in speech communication. He retired at the age of 62.

Tom is survived by three daughters: Beth Akers (Ronnie Akers) of Christiansburg, VA; Aimee Bruneau of Seattle, WA; Laura Bruneau (Michael Wermes) of Alamosa, CO. One sister: Roxana (Roxy) Rasmuson (John Malone) of Mercer, WI and one brother: William Bruneau (Patty Questard) of Kenosha, WI.

He has two grandchildren: Erika Akers and Finnegan Thomas Wermes.

Tom was a loving father and brother. He was an author of books and poetry. He was a professor and contributor through communication studies. He loved to travel and speak at conferences. Most of all his favorite past-time was to watch people, and observed how people interacted and communicated within themselves and through others.

A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.