Mary Lou Brunkow

Mary Lou (Powers) Brunkow, age 66, of Richmond, MN, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2019, at St. Cloud CentraCare Hospital.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Beardsley, MN, with Pat Schubert officiating.  Music will be provided by organist Carmen Hills and vocalists Sue Sykora and Stacey Borgheiinck.

Burial will be in the Beardsley Community Cemetery.  Urn bearers will be Mary Lou's grandchildren ~ Kayleigh Clements and JD Gessinger.

Visitation will be held Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mary Lou was born on July 27, 1952 to Robert and Mae Belle (Lowry) Powers in Browns Valley, MN (aka Ike's Chicken Shack).  She was raised on the family farm west of Beardsley but always had a love of the city.  The love of the city drew her to Minneapolis Business College, which led her to a long career as an Account Manager for various printing companies.

Mary Lou and Duane were married on July 1, 1972 at the United Methodist Church in Beardsley, MN.  To this union, two daughters were born: Barbra (born in 1975) and Jane (born in 1978).

Throughout the years, Mary Lou loved crafting, genealogy, reading and particularly traveling.  She also cherished her daily routine of going for walks, visiting and playing cards with friends.

Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, was her greatest joy.   Because of this she recently started splitting time between Minnesota and South Carolina to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren.

Left to celebrate her memory is her husband, Duane Brunkow of Richmond, MN; Daughters: Barbra (Vince) Clements of Charlotte, NC; Jane (John) Gessinger of Delano, MN; Grandchildren: Kayleigh Clements of Columbia SC; JD Gessinger of Delano, MN; Siblings: Curtis (Vicki) Powers of Browns Valley, MN; Jill (Kevin) Doschadis of Graceville, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mae Belle Powers.