Jonah Lincoln Bruntz was born to Lydia (Kinsvater) Bruntz and Fred Bruntz at Paxton,  South Dakota, on May 19, 1927.  He died October 19, 2016 at his home near Burke.
Soon after,  his parents moved to the farm west of Herrick, South Dakota where he lived contentedly for the next 87 years. He later changed his name to Jonas and attended country schools and high school at Gregory, South Dakota. In December 1950, he was inducted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. Jonas was awarded medals for his marksmanship ability and was honorably discharged in December 1952 earning the rank of PFC.
Jonas returned to the family farm west of Herrick and began his farming career in earnest. Jonas was a Worshipful Master and member in good standing of the Herrick Masonic Lodge for many years. He also worked part time with the bricklayer Frank Gessner.  Together they created many lasting structures in the Rosebud area.
Jonas was a successful farmer and planted many trees on his property,  but his favorite job was sawing wood. People would admire his intricately stacked piles of logs.
Jonas was introduced to a young widow at Gregory, South Dakota by his future father-in-law,  Edward Vosika. It was love at first sight and he and Betty were married on April 25, 1959. Jonas soon adopted her two children, Joni and John. They were blessed with four more children, Jeffrey, Joseph, Jordan and Jane.
Jonas was a very hard worker and that was all he knew. He lived and died on his own terms and was loved and respected by his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, of 57 years, children: Joni (Russ), John (Julie), Jeff (Michele), Joe (Dani), Jordan (Crystal), and Jane, plus eleven adored grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD.  Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, Gregory.  There will be a visitation on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.