Cathy Eileen Brunk

Cathy Eileen Brunk

“Grandma Cat”

October 3, 1951 - March 4, 2026

It is with great sadness that we share, Cathy Eileen Brunk joined her heavenly home on March 4, 2026, at the age of 74. She was on vacation with her loving husband, "Geneo", in New Mexico.

Cathy will always be remembered for her joyous, bubbly personality. She was kind-hearted, gentle, patient, and truly “soft” to all. She was the perfect wife and an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, confidant, and more.

One of Cathy’s greatest passions was her love of God, which she shared openly with everyone. Throughout her life, she served faithfully in the church- teaching Sunday School and VBS, arranging holiday recitals, planning meals, and contributing in countless other ways.

Few people embodied love as deeply as Cathy. It showed in her devotion to her husband, her family, her friends, and all who knew her. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through every challenge, and ensured no one ever felt alone. She was always there.

She taught everyone around her they could do anything they put their mind to and inspired them to appreciate both the big and small things in life. In moments of stress, she reminded them to stop and smell the roses-or a freshly opened can of coffee.

Cathy delighted in life’s simple joys, including singing her “Cathy’s Goodies” and other favorites with her grandchildren, playing the guitar, fishing, swimming, riding horse, spending time with animals (like her cats) on the farm, and sharing stories of her life and her rich imagination. She spent countless hours canning.

Among her favorite things was God and his many blessings-time at the cabin in Grand Rapids, MN, the land she loved, gardening, baking with her grandchildren (everyone loved her homemade bread!), attending family sports and other activities, and spending every possible moment with her favorite people. Her passion for music was so strong she passed it onto her children and grandchildren.

Cathy was born on October 3, 1951, in Jackson, MN, to Arnold and Elaine (Porisch) Buck. She was the fourth child of seven children raised in a loving, warm, Christian home. She attended and was confirmed in faith at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 11th, 1965, in Alpha, MN, and later became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster. Cathy graduated from Jackson High School in 1969 and continued onto college for Computer Programming at South Central Technical College in Mankato and graduated in 1971. Later in life, she achieved an LPN degree at Minnesota West in Worthington in June 1997.

Cathy married the love of her life and best friend, Gene Brunk on July 14, 1973, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimball Township. Together they built a life rooted in Christ, love, commitment, loyalty, and community. They were blessed with three daughters, one son, and grandson Matthew, whose place in their lives was as close and cherished as another son. They built their home and life just outside of Brewster, MN.

She was a devoted farm wife for 53 years, making meals for her husband and brother-in-law (Catty’s Meals on Wheels) every spring and fall, the “computer guru/office administrator” for Brunk Brothers Seed, other career stints included an LPN at Heron Lake Nursing Home, a paraprofessional at Brewster Elementary School and a cashier at Kmart.

Cathy is survived by her husband and best friend Gene Brunk. Her children, Sarah (Dean) Wickstrom of Worthington MN, Maria (Dave) Farber of Heron Lake MN, Adam (Melissa) Brunk of Okabena MN; honorary children, Steve and Jennie Geertsema of Worthington MN.

Her grandchildren: Matthew (Jocie) Geertsema of Vermillion SD, Breanna (Jaime) Garza of St James MN, Mariah Brandt of Westbrook MN, Brandon Brandt of Westbrook MN, Peyton Wickstrom of Worthington MN, Kristina Nelson of Worthington MN, Dylan Nelson (Teralyn Johnson) of Courtland MN, Makia Brunk of Plymouth MN, Avre Brunk of Okabena MN, Barrett Brunk of Okabena MN; honorary grandchildren, Dawn (Dylan) Buschenfeld of Sioux Falls SD, Mark Geertsema of Worthington MN; step-grandchildren Matt (Steph) Farber of Windom MN, Scott (Alivia) Farber of Windom MN, Robby (Savanna) Farber of Windom MN, Jordan (Kristina) Wickstrom of Sioux Falls SD, Tyler (Kylee) Wickstrom of Corsica SD, Dylan (Dijana) Wickstrom of Corsica SD.

Her siblings: Corrine (Floyd) Green of Mt. Lake MN, Marcella (Robert) Wall of Eagle River AK, Arthur Buck (Judy Wagner) of Butterfield MN, Valerie Rave of Fairmont MN, Teresa (Mark) Peters of Mt. Lake MN.

Uncles/Aunts: Virgle Buck of Worthington MN, Roger (Marlys) Porisch of Hoyt Lakes MN and AZ, and Mary Gohr of Mt. Lake MN.

Cathy was also blessed with multiple great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father Arnold Buck, mother Elaine Anderson, step-father Harold Anderson, daughter Connie Brunk, granddaughters Madison and Jasmine Nelson, and sister Linda Carlson.

Cathy leaves behind a legacy of deep love, devotion, kindness, resilience, and generosity. Her presence touched every person fortunate enough to know her, and the impact she made will continue to echo through our lives. Cathy had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and cared for—whether through a quiet act of kindness, a steady word of encouragement, or the unwavering strength she carried through every season of her life.

She will be deeply missed, not only for what she did, but for who she was. The mark she left on each of our hearts will endure. In the stories we share, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave so freely, she will continue to live on.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster, MN and also one hour prior to service at the church on Saturday. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster, MN, with Pastor David McDonald officiating. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Brewster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charity of donor's choice.