Olivia “Ollie” Bruns

Olivia “Ollie” Kay Bruns, 70, of Elkader, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, following a sudden illness. 

Ollie was born December 7, 1945, in Oelwein, the daughter of Francis “Doc” O’Donnell and Virginia M. (Slick) O’Donnell. She was raised and educated in the Strawberry Point area, and graduated in 1964 from Strawberry Point High School. She worked at the local Strawberry Point bank and worked the animals alongside her father. She attended Colorado University for a brief time prior to marriage to Robert Bruns and subsequent relocation to Cedar Rapids to pursue their future. Employment at Turner Radio lead to a lifelong career at Rockwell Collins alongside her husband, Bob. Prior to retirement, she finally attained her degree from Mount Mercy College. She and Bob fulfilled their dreams to return to the area where they grew up and built a beautiful log home on their farm they called Coyote Springs.

Since returning to the area, Ollie was the Main Street Elkader Director for many years. She also worked for the Carter House Historic Foundation, started her own Bed and Breakfast, and was an active member of the community.  

Ollie had an infectious personality, a contagious laugh, and an unbreakable determination. From traveling the world with family and friends, to welcoming the world into her slice of heaven, a detail did not go unnoticed, nor a chance to make the most of any moment at hand.

Ollie is survived by her son, Michael Bruns and wife Joannie (Koutny) with grandchildren, Austin and Treyton Bruns, all of Cedar Rapids; a brother, Michael O’Donnell, and wife, Sheri (Sturdivan) of Lisbon, with nephew Patrick O’Donnell and great-niece, Emma Barton O’Donnell; a true companion, Daryl Bruxvoort of Elkader; and many extended family members.

Ollie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; and her stepmother, Doris O’Donnell.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be directed to Osborne Park or The Carter House Museum both of Elkader.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016, at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point, with the Rev. Jim Adix, officiating.  Interment was at Cass Township Cemetery, Strawberry Point. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa, and one hour before the service on Friday afternoon.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.