Christiane Bruns

Christiane Bruns, age 99, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. She was born in Chatelet, Belgium on January 28, 1925 to Albert and Paula (Morton) Chavepeyer.  She led an incredible and full life.  She spent most of her childhood in Belgium.  In 1930 her father, an artist, moved the family to Paris so he could produce commercial art posters.   She had such wonderful memories of those days in the LaVille Lumiere (The City of Light), especially those special times spent with her father when he would walk with her through the parks or visit the Paris Zoo.  They moved back to Belgium just before WW II.   She attended St. Mary’s Boarding High School graduating in 1943, and then went to work in the offices of a local coal mining operation.  

In January 1945, when the American Forces pushed their way through Belgium, she met a handsome young US GI by the name of Warren Bruns at a private party in her hometown.   Chris and Warren fell in love and were married Nov. 17, 1945.  They settled in Wisconsin where they led their life raising their two children, Paulette and Mark.  They lived and worked in Lyndon Station and then eventually in West Salem.   Throughout her life in the US Chris had some great and long-lasting friendships but most of all her priority was her family here and in Belgium.  She was always infectiously positive, pleasant and many times played the peacemaker.  She loved her Catholic church and took solace in the love and blessings of Jesus Christ our Savior.  She felt truly blessed to have two wonderful grandchildren, Jonathan and Katie.  

She is survived by son, Mark (Tina) Bruns of Waunakee, grandchildren; Katie (Brendan) Cunningham of Waunakee, Jonathan Kinnas of Chicago, IL, brother Luke (Josiane) of Fontaine Leveque, Belgium, and her dear cousin Simone (Jean) of Auvelais, Belgium, and many nieces and nephews around the world.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warren, her precious daughter and best friend, Paulette, her parents, and her brothers Gomer and Albert.   

The family would like to thank the staffs of Dove Healthcare and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care given to Chris.  A special thank you to Josie Wakefield.  

Thank you mom for showing me and Paulette the joy and meaning of life, instilling in us the sense of knowing right from wrong, and of what true kindness and compassion is really about. You reminded us that family is the most important possession we have and to believe in Christ our Savior and to practice his teachings.  You were good, kind, brave, and infinitely fair minded.   Thank you for giving us life and so many cherished memories, and frequent hearty laughs.  You will always be in my mind and heart, and I will desperately miss you for as long as I am on this earth.   Love, Mark

We welcome you to share your memories of Chris's here on her Tribute Wall.

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513