H. Nelson Brunk, 96, of Harrisonburg, Va., died Dec. 11, 2023. He was born at home in Hyattsville, Md., on Oct. 7, 1927, to Henry and Nora (Kraus) Brunk.

As a young adult he joined Civilian Public Service, cutting trees and building roads. He was president of Peoples Supply Co. in Bladensburg, Md., the family business established by his father.

He married Ruth Detweiler on March 11, 1950. Together they helped start Hyattsville Mennonite Church. Later he and Ruth were deeply committed to Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla., and Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.

They volunteered in numerous Mennonite Central Committee assignments and church camps and worked alongside Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter building Habitat for Humanity homes in Mexico. He was a resident of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community for 10 years.

Nelson was a man of many talents. He played golf for many years, which expanded his friendships and gave him a place to share his stories and jokes. He was a gentle, caring and generous man. All these qualities produced a life well lived.

Surviving are three children, Carol (Bob Harnish), Judy (Gary Blosser) and Brad (Patti King); seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother Henry (Edna Ebersole); and sister-in-law Mary Louise (Ours) Brunk.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Detweiler); sisters Esther (Norman Loux), Ellen (Griffin), Ruth (Ray Horst) and Alma (Leonard Baer); and brothers Perry (Fern) and Joseph.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.