Roll Call Tribute

Michael B. "Brunner" Grau 

July 14, 1945 - March 7, 2025 

Michael Brunner Grau, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home to be with his Savior on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on July 14, 1945, in Taylor, Texas, to Carl and Vesta (Garry) Grau, he was the youngest of three children, following his brother Garry Grau and sister Carlyn (Grau) Poole.

Brunner spent most of his life in Taylor, where he grew up surrounded by a close-knit community of friends and extended family, including numerous cousins. As a child, he was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Taylor and took part in school activities, including running track and playing the drums in the high school band.

After graduating from Taylor High School in 1963, Brunner attended Tyler Junior College before transferring to Texas A&M University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1969 as a proud member of the Class of ’67. (He loved A&M so much he extended his stay.)

On August 31, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia (Cindy) Gayle Eschberger of Taylor. The couple lived in College Station, Texas, while Brunner completed his degree. They soon moved back to Taylor where they built a home and started their family.

Brunner’s career spanned nearly four decades, following in the footsteps of his father as a civil engineer. He contributed significantly to the public sector, working with the Texas Highway Department and the City of Austin, where he led several vital projects that shaped the city’s infrastructure. He later capped his distinguished career at Freese & Nichols, Inc., an engineering consulting firm.

Brunner was known for his generosity, his quick wit and humor, and his abundant patience. Throughout his life, Brunner’s faith, commitment to family, and dedication to serving others were his guiding principles. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, giving countless hours of his time to its ministries. He was especially dedicated to Scout Troop 167, where he worked tirelessly on the renovation and upkeep of the Taylor Scout Hut in Murphy Park. Brunner was intentional about his relationships with his four children, devoting quality time to each of them. Whether playing tennis, swimming in a kiddie pool, playing games, or camping, he is remembered as a loving father who always prioritized family.

Brunner is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Vesta Grau, his in-laws Elvy and Mildred Eschberger, and his sister-in-law Lori Eschberger.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Cindy; his brother Garry (and wife Roberta); his sister Carlyn; his four children, Tiffany (Richie) Charles, Courtney (Marc) Trujillo, Micah (Mallory) Grau, and Priscilla (Connor) McDonald; his grandchildren, Chayse Boecker, Kacianna Boecker, Elijah Grau, Norah Grau, Jacob Charles, Elizabeth McDonald, and William McDonald; and his nephews, Henry Poole, Hays Poole, Michael Grau, and Reagan Grau.

Papa, as he was lovingly called by his family, leaves a legacy of living out his deep faith through his good works. May we all strive to live as he did: giving generously and loving as Jesus loved.

Services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor on March 17, 2025 with visitation at 1 pm and services at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

IN THE CARE OF
Condra Funeral Home