OBITUARY

Celeste Joan Bruns, known to all as Lovie, of St. Clair, MO departed this life in St. Clair, MO on Thursday, January 29, 2026, having reached the age of eighty-seven years, eight months fourteen days. Celeste was born in Washington, MO on May 15, 1938, daughter of Raymond Edward Pensrum and Adell Rose Pensrum nee Giles. On April 23, 1960 she was united in marriage to Karl Ivan Bruns, known to all as Ivan, and two sons came to bless this union.

Celeste is survived by her son, Dale Bruns and wife, Wendy, of St. Clair, MO; by her grandchildren, Carla McNulty and husband, Chris, of St. Clair, MO and David Bruns and fiancé, Ashley Garcia, of Stanton, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Cameron, Colton, Stephen and Ryker; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Celeste was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Adell Pensrum; by her husband, Ivan Bruns; by her son, Thomas Bruns; and by her four siblings, infant Ida Pensrum, Agnes Bryan, Pat Rachal and infant Barbara Pensrum.

Celeste was a Christian of the Catholic faith and member of St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO. She was a member of Daughters of Isabella, Circle 1082 St. Clair, MO as well as the Red Hat Society. Celeste made caring for her home and family her mission in life and never tired of it. Celeste also was a substitute teacher for the surrounding area school districts. She had a variety of interests and hobbies throughout her life including fishing, traveling and going on cruises. She was an avid reader, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, crafting and doing ceramics. Celeste enjoyed crocheting, tending to her flowers and plants and watching Jeopardy on television. She also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and teaching the grandchildren the different kinds. What meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 7, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO with Fr. Chuck Tichacek officiating. Interment will be in St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Association. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.