Kathleen Ann Bruder

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.  Entombment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley at a later date.

Kathleen Ann Loeffler was born to Gertrude (Jerome) and Edward Loeffler on February 16, 1942 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. Until the age of 14, she was one of five children who would live on the family farm her with parents. During this time Kathleen attended district 83 country school.

For a short period of time the family lived in Brandon, where the children attended public school until moving to Millerville when Kathleen’s father purchased the town butcher store. While in Millerville, Kathleen completed the 11^th grade and then soon after moved to Minneapolis to become a nanny. This was quite the adventure as Kathleen did not drive after her first attempt ending in a unintentional U-turn that took her through two ditches.

On June 8, 1963 Kathleen was united in marriage to Laurel Bruder at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville.  The couple made their home in Minneapolis and were blessed with a son, Jerome. Kathleen continued doing childcare for over 40 years and once she and Laurel retired, they moved their home to Alexandria. Together, the couple enjoyed going to have coffee and local restaurants, camping and traveling together, and going to dances, concerts and plays. She also enjoyed volunteering at the church, particularly with the Daughters of Isabella, and with the VWF Auxiliary.

Kathleen was always a cheerful person who could rarely be found at home. She knew everyone and was frequently referred to as the family historian. And no matter how large her contact list got, she never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or holiday – always sending cards out at the very beginning of the month. She was a loving wife, mother, and sister and will always be remembered for her oversized purses and the way she was always upbeat and optimistic even when her health failed her.

On October 2, 2023, Kathleen passed away at St. Cloud Hospital; she was 81 years old. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jerome (Jan) Bruder of Bellefonte, PA; siblings: Fritz (JoAnn) Loeffler of Garfield, Mike (Rose) Loeffler of Park Rapids, Ed (Annette) Loeffler of Hoffman, and Jane (Paul) Flanagan of Port Orange, FL; as well as many other extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Laurel.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS TO ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ANY LOCAL VFW AUXILIARY ARE PREFERRED.