Barbara J. Bruns, age 66, of Gibbon passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson surrounded by loved ones.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 on Friday, September 13, 2024 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in Gibbon. A private family service will be held.

Barb was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose love for life and family will forever be cherished.

Barb is survived by her husband, Tim Bruns; son, Toby (Jenny) Bruns; daughters, Octave "Beth" (Brian) Magnusson, Dana (Mitchell) Lietzau; 5 grandchildren; Father-in-law, Harlan Bruns; sisters, Pat (Tom) Schreiner, Elizabeth "Betty" (Brian) Grewe; brothers, Howard (Char), Tom (Ellen), Timothy (Pam), Robert (Kari); sister-in laws; Wanda (Duke) Fahey, Tammie (John) Kaste, Brother-in-law Terry (Lori) Bruns and many nieces and nephews.

Barb was born in Gaylord, MN to Stanley Sr and Carol Lauwagie (Grosklags) and is one of eight siblings. She grew up in a lively household filled with love and laughter amongst 7 siblings. Barb shared a close bond with her siblings. They often gathered for Sunday card games, creating memories that would last a lifetime. She especially enjoyed spending time on adventures with her sisters.

In High School, Barb worked at the family business, the Klossner House. The family was known for their fun-loving nature and their ability to create excitement wherever they went. Barb enjoyed the dances at Gibbon Ballroom. She graduated from Gibbon High School and began her journey through life with a strong sense of hard work and dedication.

On July 3, 1978, Barb married Tim Bruns and together they built a beautiful life. They had three children, Toby, Octave (Beth), and Dana, who were the center of her world. Early in their marriage, she ran Barb's Café in Gibbon, where she poured her heart into the community. In 1988, she began her career at 3M, where she worked full-time for 27 years. Despite her busy schedule, she never missed a moment of her children's lives. Whether it was rushing from a wrestling match to a basketball game or sitting through long track meets. They made many memories on family vacations.

Above all, Barb cherished her role as a grandmother. Her five grandchildren— Richard "Ryan" (18), Kelby (15), Kinley (14), Ryker (11), and Axton (9)—were her pride and joy. She adored spoiling her grandkids with countless adventures including Valleyfair, movies, fishing trips or even just special adventures through her grove.

Barb enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, reading, puzzles, quilting, and scrapbooking. She loved playing cards, time at the lake with family and watching softball. Her family will forever remember her for her loving spirit, her determination, and her unwavering devotion to all around her.

Welcoming her to heaven are her parents, grandparents, mother-in-law, Lerain Bruns, brother, Stanley Jr "Butch" and brother-in-law Tom Bruns. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Gibbon Reds or Alzheimer's Association in her memory, in honor of her fight against Alzheimer's. Barb will be deeply missed but never forgotten.