Dorothy M. Bruns' Obituary
Dorothy Mae Bruns, 94, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Decatur, Illinois, Macon County, surrounded by loved ones. She was born May 6, 1931, on the farm in Mount Pulaski, Illinois, Logan County, daughter of the late Dorothy Lakin Carlson and Gustav Bertel Carlson.
Dorothy dedicated her life to caring for others. She worked as a CNA and home caregiver, and earlier in life served others as a restaurant server. Beyond her work, Dorothy’s heart was always with her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved dancing, cardinals, baking for family and friends, creating embroidery gifts such as pillowcases and wedding keepsakes, and listening to country western music. Her faith in God was central to her life. She also took joy in opening her home on Bentonville Road and on Garfield Street, creating welcoming spaces where neighborhood children played and grew up over the years.
Dorothy treasured her friendships as much as her family. She shared a lifelong bond with her dear friend Carol Wermerskirchen, creating countless memories together during their travels and adventures. Carol’s friendship was a constant source of joy and companionship even at the end of Dorothy’s life. The family would like to thank Carol for being such a great friend to Dorothy and to the family.
Dorothy is survived by her brothers Gene Carlson, David (Karen) Carlson, and Michael (Jennie) Carlson; children Suzanne Mund, Ray Burrus, Eddie Burrus, Tommy Burrus, and Naomi (Larry) Sinclair; grandchildren Michael Burrus, Shawndra Sorrell, Amanda Waibel (Josh), Jeremiah Groves, Heather Garner, and Tabitha (Dylan) O’Neil; and great-grandchildren Tyra Sorrell, Kenya Sorrell, Izrael Dear, Karma Dear, Kaitlyn Sinclair, Madison Sinclair, Jeremy O’Neill, and Corbin O’Neill. She is also survived by her great-great-grandsons Aiden Jones and Camdyn Pfeifer. As well as many other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Gustav and Dorothy Carlson, and grandsons; Toby Mund, Chris Sinclair, and Joshua Groves.
Dorothy’s legacy of love, faith, and generosity lives on through her family and all who knew her.
A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Following, she will be laid to rest at Macon County Memorial Park.
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