Robert Brungardt was born November 4, 1936 in Morrowville, Kansas to Bernard and Isabell (Linenberger) Brungardt. He was the oldest of seven children.

As a child, he attended rural schools in Washington County, Kansas. He graduated from Washington High School in 1954.

In 1954, his future wife Dona Brauch moved to Washington, Kansas to teach for the Bondville rural school. The two married May 5th, 1956. They were married 60 years at the time of her passing in 2016.

After getting married, they moved to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where Robert worked at the Allied Chemical plant and Dona taught school.

Robert accepted a position in 1960 with the Consumers Public Power District (later to became the Nebraska Public Power District) at the Sheldon Station nuclear power plant near Hallam, Nebraska. In 1968, he accepted a shift supervisory position at the company’s Cooper Nuclear Power Station near Brownville, Nebraska, and they moved to Auburn in 1969.

Robert was a part of the startup team while Cooper Nuclear was under construction. Over time, Robert advanced to Operations Manager, sometimes temporarily filling the role of Plant Superintendent. He ultimately managed the Operations and the Instrumentation departments, one of the largest employee groups of the organization. He worked for NPPD for 34 years and retired in 1994.

Robert and Dona were blessed with two children. Randall Ray was born in 1957 and Vicki Sue was born in 1961.

Robert had many varied interests including building houses, woodworking and gardening. He built houses in Plattsmouth, Hallam and Auburn, as well as he built the cabinetry for the Auburn house. He was a “jack of all trades”. His most important purpose in life was his devotion to his family. He and Dona considered it important for the family to explore the U.S. By car and camping they toured some 45 of the continental states. They climbed mountains, floated down icy-cold streams, as well as visited historical sites, cities, and many national attractions. Making it educational was important. Spending time with his grandsons roasting weenies & giving wheelbarrow rides was also a highlight for him. Robert and Dona also explored Europe several times.

Robert passed away on December 7th, 2025 at Richmont Terraces in Bellevue, NE. Dona predeceased him in August of 2016. He is survived by two children Randall Brungardt of San Diego, CA, and Vicki (husband John) Rinne of rural Brock, NE; two grandchildren Tyler Rinne of Beatrice, NE and Trevor (wife Rebekka, children Theodore and Charlotte) Rinne of rural Brock, NE; and his siblings Betty Ann Prellwitz, Larry Brungardt (wife Karen), Judy Bridges, Jerry Brungardt (wife Sandi) and Dennis Brungardt (wife Chris). He is predeceased by his parents Bernard and Isabell Brungardt and his sister Claire Blenderman.

To honor Robert’s wishes, there will be no services.

Memorials can be sent to the Community Players performing arts theater in Beatrice, Nebraska.