Robert James Bruns

Robert J. Bruns, age 67, of Maple Lake, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his cabin on Sugar Lake with his wife at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday and 9-10 a.m. on Monday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A Prayer Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Robert James Bruns was born September 30, 1955, in St. Cloud to James and Beatrice (Paumen) Bruns. He grew up in Maple Lake where he was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. Timothy. He graduated with the Class of 1974 from Maple Lake High School. He continued his education at Dunwoody Institute for HVAC. On May 13, 1978, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lori Fobbe, at the Church of St. Timothy in Maple Lake. They made their home in Maple Lake, where they were blessed with two daughters. Bob worked for nearly 20 years with D&D Electric Heating & Cooling in Maple Lake and retired in 2020 from the Union Sheet Metal Local #10 Union. 

Bob enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be riding his motorcycle or side by side, driving his '72 Corvette, or being on the lake either in his boat or on the jet ski. There wasn't much Bob couldn't fix, make, or do. He loved to tinker in his pole shed, which could be characterized as organized chaos. He will be remembered for being hardworking, positive, calm, and patient. In addition to being a role model to their two daughters, he also served in that role for many of the girls' friends. Of all the enjoyment Bob found in life, nothing brought him greater joy than being in the presence of his family, especially his two grandsons, William and Leighton.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lori; daughters, Kristin (Chris) Thomas of Plymouth and Ashley Bruns of Maple Lake; grandchildren, William and Leighton Thomas; brother, Carl Bruns of Albertville; sister, Rose Mary (Kirt) Hinz of Annandale; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Charolyt Bruns, Marge (Ted Jr.) Latour, Bob (Michelle) Fobbe, Barb Menth and Don Purcell; and his nieces and nephews that he loved as his own, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Beatrice Bruns; brother, Jerry Bruns; sisters-in-law, Patty Purcell and Mary Worden; and brothers-in-law, Lee Worden and Mark Menth.

The urn bearers will be Luke Hinz, Joe Bruns, Luke Fobbe, Bobby Fobbe, Joe Menth and Bill Purcell. Krista Elsenpeter Tarbox and Sarah Goelz will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

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