STEVEN ALLEN BRUNS

STEVEN ALLEN BRUNS

March 15, 1955-August 24, 2026

Steven Allen Bruns, age 71, of Hector, MN, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, laughter, hard work, and kindness.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be on Saturday, September 5, at 11 a.m. at Swedlanda Lutheran Church in rural Hector. Visitation will be on Friday, September 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday, all at the church.

Steve was born March 15, 1955, in Gaylord, MN, to Wesley and Mavis (Hillmann) Bruns. A force of nature from the start, he earned the childhood nickname “Lightning Jack,” and that hurry-up-and-get-it-done energy stayed with him throughout his life.

In 1978, Steve married Jill Peterson, his partner in nearly every adventure that followed. Together they created a home where the door was open, food was plentiful, laughter was loud, and there was always room for one more at the table.

Steve was immensely proud of his four sons and treasured his grandchildren. Family gatherings, vacations, hunting trips, holidays, and “Grandma and Grandpa Week” were among his greatest joys.

Steve and Jill also welcomed seven exchange-student sons from around the world into their home and helped place more than 150 international students with area families through EF Exchange. Those relationships helped inspire travels that eventually took Steve to 46 states, 18 countries, and five continents.

The Lord was the cornerstone of Steve’s life. He was an active member of Swedlanda Lutheran Church, participated in Bible study, served with the Gideons, and found special meaning in jail ministry. During his final journey with cancer, his faith gave him what he described as the “peace that passes understanding.”

 A worker and fixer by nature, Steve's career included farming, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and his beloved Steve’s Handyman business. He also served as a Martinsburg Township officer. Whether fixing something, serving his community, or helping a neighbor, Steve understood that the person often mattered more than the project.

Steve lived fast, worked hard, laughed loudly, traveled widely, and collected enough stories to fill a book—which, thankfully, he did. But in the end, his life was not measured by the things he built, the miles he traveled, or the projects he completed.

It was measured in people.

Steve spent his childhood wondering whether he mattered. He spent the rest of his life making sure other people knew that they did.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jill; sons: Adam (Janine) and children Christopher, Brayden and Lauren; Jason (Sally) and children Blake, Matthew and Kate; Kyle (Cassie) and children Max and Carson; and Tyler (Leigha) and children Nora, Anna and Theodore.

He is also survived by his sister, Jennifer (Steven) Schauland; brother, Mark (Lori) Bruns; in-laws: Mark (Courtney) Peterson, Keith (Sandy) Peterson and Mary Bradley; his seven international sons; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and extended family around the world.

 Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia. www.dirksblem.com