Craig Bruns

Craig Theador Bruns, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on December 12, 1955, in Mankato, MN, to Harold and Jackleen (Rilling) Bruns, Craig spent his early years in St. Peter, and Austin, MN, and Brookings, SD. In 1970, his family moved to Walker, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1974. Following high school, Craig enlisted in the Army and proudly served for three years with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before being honorably discharged in 1977.

Craig continued his education at Bemidji State University, where he played football for the Bemidji Beavers for two years. He then joined his family’s real estate business, working in both Walker and Bemidji. In 1980, he married Gwen Fallgren and her daughter Jenny, beginning a life filled with love and adventure.

Over the years, Craig’s career took him to Texas and Virginia, where he worked with various excavating companies. Eventually, he started his own contracting business, specializing in homebuilding and road development. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him back to Walker to purchase Walker Bay Resort and also open the Red Barn Saloon and Dance Hall where his daughter, Jenny, married Travis Rocholl in 1998. He and Gwen moved back to Virginia for a short time, where he continued his contracting work and also restored old stone houses. In 2005, they returned to Minnesota, where Craig found success as a farmer in Otter Tail County, raising cattle and organic crops, and selling grass-fed beef to local schools and specialty meat markets.

In 2022, Craig and Gwen embarked on a new adventure, starting a trucking business that allowed him to travel the country. Craig found great joy in meeting new people and exploring beautiful sights.

An avid outdoorsman, Craig loved hunting moose with family in Canada, deer hunting on family property near Akeley, and taking summer fishing trips to Ontario, where his brother’s resort became a special gathering place for family. He especially cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, Brodey and Kayla, rarely missing a game or event that they were part of.

Craig was a man of many interests, known for his adventurous spirit and his gift for conversation. A dreamer and an unconventional soul, he lived his life to the fullest, surrounded by family and friends from all walks of life. His greatest talent was his ability to connect with others, always offering a listening ear and a healthy dose of humor.

Craig is survived by his wife, Gwen; daughter, Jennifer (Travis) Rocholl; and grandchildren, Brodey and Kayla, all of Erhard, MN. He is also mourned by his brothers Scott (Jackie), and Brian (Nancy) of Walker, MN, and Mark (Denise) of Newtown Square, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

During his final year, Craig came to appreciate the gift of time spent with loved ones. The love and support from family and friends allowed him to reflect on what truly mattered: healing relationships, renewed friendships, and the joy of togetherness. His renewed faith and trust in God helped guide him through his final battle, offering peace and comfort in the midst of his struggles.

As God welcomes him home, may he hear: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Visitation for Craig will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26th from 4:00-6:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 49658 County Road 53, Perham, MN 56573, with a prayer service at 5:30. Craig’s Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, Feb. 27th at 11:00 AM, also at St. John’s Lutheran.

Craig’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and cherished friend. His spirit of adventure, his joy in life, and his love for his family will forever be remembered.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com