GRACE MARGARET BRUNNER

Grace Margaret (Hennessy) Brunner, 94, of Moose Lake, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Grace was born on August 11, 1931, to Clarence and Effie (Harris) Hennessy in Lone Tree, ND, where she grew up.

She married Tony Brunner on April 24, 1952, in Des Lacs, ND. Together, they traveled for several years with Tony's work serving the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1955, they began their family in Minot, where they raised their three children.

In 1962, Grace and Tony purchased property on Strawberry Lake, where they built a family cabin that became a cherished gathering place for generations. They spent countless summers enjoying time on the pontoon, sitting around the campfire, singing songs, and making memories with their family.

Grace loved her family deeply and treasured the time she spent with those she held dear. She also had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed playing the piano and sharing her beautiful singing voice with others. Grace shared a special, lifelong bond and friendship with her sister. Their love for one another remained strong throughout the years, and the many memories they created together were a cherished part of Grace’s life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; her son, Donald; and her siblings, Dorothy (Hennessy) Anderson and Donald Hennessy.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Renee Brunner of Moose Lake; son, Rick Brunner of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Nescha (Matthew) Lee, Nicole Brunner, and Shyla (Ed) Bradshaw, all of Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Connor, Jameson, Eric, Avery, Natalie, Jacob, Evelyn, and Dylan; sister, Sharon (Richard) Schaefer of Minot, ND and a number of nieces and nephews.

Grace’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her nurse practitioner and primary caregiver, Faith Manty, for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness she gave to Mom. They would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the comfort and support they provided to Grace and her family.

A special thank-you goes to her neighbor, Wendy Newbloom, who was so much more than a neighbor—she was like family. Wendy was always by Grace’s side and blessed Grace and her family with her love, friendship, and unwavering support. Her kindness and presence meant more than words can express. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Joan Thorsten, who was like an adopted daughter to Grace. Joan cared for Grace deeply and brought so much love, kindness, and companionship into her life. Grace and her family were truly blessed to have Wendy and Joan by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 am Friday, July 31, 2026 at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. To view a recording of the service (available 8/1) can be found at www.mtmsales.net/thomas

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until the Recitation of Holy Rosary at 5:30 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.