Barb passed away peacefully Sunday, March 31, 2024, at her home in Fairmont, with her loving husband and family by her side. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara Jean (Norman) Van Brunt was born Jan. 12, 1951, in Fairmont, Minn., the daughter of Richard W. and Alice M. (Bowman) Norman. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont. The second oldest in a family of five girls, Barb argued for bathroom time so she wouldn’t be late to school at St. John Vianney Catholic School. Moving on from parochial school, Barb attended Fairmont High School where she graduated with the class of 1969. She then went on to further her education attending school at St. Could State University in St. Cloud, Minn.

Taking a chance on a blind date, Barb met her soul mate, Reid Van Brunt. On June 13, 1970, the couple was united in marriage at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and celebrated over 53 years together. Barb and Reid made their home in Fairmont where Barb worked for many years as an office manager at a dental office and they were blessed with five children.

Barb’s interests painted the picture of a life rich with simple pleasures and a deep appreciation for family, friends, and for nature and its beauty. She loved traveling and spending winters at Ft. Walton Beach, walking on the beach and feeling the warmth of the southern sun. She was incredibly talented and loved singing, music, decorating, sewing, and shopping. Family and friends were extremely important to Barb, and she made sure to keep in contact with those who meant the most to her. Making others feel special was a specialty for Barb and whether it was a birthday or holiday, Barb took great care to create a memorable moment for those she loved. As one grandson said, “Nana made Christmas magical!”

Barb and Reid’s bond and love for one another was truly unique. Through Barb’s cancer diagnosis along with other health struggles, Reid cared for and was a devoted husband to Barb as she bravely fought cancer.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Reid Van Brunt; sons, Aaron (Heather) Van Brunt, Ryan (Shannon) Van Brunt and Nathan (Kim) Van Brunt; daughters, Shanda Gullick and Kumari Van Brunt (Andy Nelson); 12 grandchildren; sisters, Roberta (Terry) Norman, Nancy (Dan) Thiesse and Mary (John) Larson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alice Norman; sister, Linda Norman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Corwin and Helen Van Brunt; sister-in-law, Gail Medved; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

The family requests memorials be made in Barb’s name to the St. John Vianney School Endowment fund and to Lakeside Cemetery of Fairmont or the memorial of the donor’s choice. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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