Johanna Lynne Bruns
Johanna Lynne Bruns , Age 62
Johanna Lynne Bruns (62) of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away March 30, 2025 in her home in Lyndon Station. She was born September 16, 1962 to Clarence Reppenhagen and Judy K Larson (McWane) in Anchorage, Alaska. Johanna served in the US Army with the 44th Gen Hosp, 1st Bn Trainees. On a chance encounter Jojo met the love of her life, Allan, where they shared their first dance to Funny Face by Donna Fargo, and the rest is history. Jo shared many hobbies including gardening, riding motorcycles, baking, fishing and hiking but she LOVED karaoke. She found her favorite people to share these hobbies with were her children and grandchildren. After trials and triumphs of Motherhood, Jo proved she was even more badass when she defeated cancer.
She is survived by her husband, Allan Bruns; children, Melissa Wilke (Chaz), Terri Bruns (James), Joshua Bruns (Leah); grandchildren, Chassity, Makenzy, Jason, and Sara Wilke, Ronald Jr., Nicholas, and Curtis Forrer, Jubilee, Naomi, Trinity, Julia, and John Bruns. She is further survived by siblings, Kennth Reppenhagen, Tammie Jerzyk, Tonya Stebbins, and Travis Stebbins; her mother; Judy K. Larson.
Johanna was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Reppenhagen; brother; Chad Bearden; sisters; Donna Porter, and Theresa Stebbins; niece, Tonya Stebbins, as well as her grandparents, Helen and Henry Reppenhagen, Clara and Hubert McWane.
The list of her family members could go on forever because Jo was truly the sunshine of many, and every soul she touched became family. She was the life of the party on so many levels. Anyone who knew her could tell you many stories about her kind, wonderful moments and her even wilder ones. She was a warm but free spirit. She lit up any room she entered and her door was always open. Family meant the world to her, whether through blood or choice. But don’t let this short sweetheart fool you, you could hear her a mile away, whether she was laughing or putting you in your place. She loved so many and has left so many saddened by her loss. She will always be with us and we can find comfort that she is not alone, for she is reunited with the loved ones she once grieved.
A funeral service will take place at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 2 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard following the service. Following the conclusion of the service, there will be a potluck at Frankie’s Bar in Baraboo, Wisconsin. We all know Jo loved her flowers so in lieu of flowers, please address memorials to the family.
"Remember ME"
Remember the laughter, the joy, the light
Not the shadows of the darkest night
Hold onto the moments, the warmth, the grace
Remember the love in their smile, their face
Though they're gone, their spirit remains, in the hearts of those who loved, through sun and rains
"Gone But not Forgotten"
Though you're gone, your spirit lives on, in the memories we've shared, until dawn.
Your love is a flame, forever bright, guiding us through darkness into the light
We'll carry your heart, within our own,
Forever remembered, never alone
"The Echoes Remain"
The world feels quiet without your sound but your echoes remain all around in the rustling leaves the gentle breeze in the laughter of the children and the swaying trees
Your love is a song that we will keep
In the depths of our hearts while we sleep
Condolences
Patty Reppenhagen March 31, 2025
Cousin Baraboo , Wisconsin
Always in my heart. You will be so missed. Much love to everyone who loved her
Annette Grossenbacher March 31, 2025
Friend Baraboo
My deepest sympathy to family of my dear friend on Facebook. Sorry we never met in person.
Sheri Hunt March 31, 2025
Friend Comanche , Oklahoma
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILYS LOSS. I HAVE KNOWN JO SINCE I WAS A LITTIE KID. SO MANY MEMORIES OF OUR FAMILIES. LOTS OF THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Cindy Fenton March 31, 2025
Friend Greenwood , Wisconsin
Jo was a free spirit in this life and will be in her next life! I am so sorry for your loss! Love you all!! Wish I could make the funeral but I have previous duties to attend to! Big hugs to you all! She will never be forgotten
Debbie Candella April 01, 2025
Friend Madison , Wisconsin
Heartfelt condolences to Johannas family. She was always a sweet spirited person, and will be remembered by all. Praying for you...
Patricia Lechner April 01, 2025
Friend Watertown , Wisconsin
I am at a loss of words. I can not explain the friendship I had with her, it was a one in a million kid of friendship. We cried together. and Laughed together, Her voice still echos in my thoughts and memories of all we had been thru and do e together. My heart will miss her laugh and corny jokes, her love if life and family was emense to say the very least. God only takes the best ones, and Jody you were one on the very best friends I could of ever had, have or ever asked for. You even stood up in my wedding, as my maid of honor and kept me grounded on that day. You were a second mom to all three if my children, you will be missed so much and my life will NEVER be the same again without you in it. Love you, Jody and deepest condolences to my second family...
Kathy Alvin April 01, 2025
Class mate Rock Springs , Wisconsin
You were the light in the room. Sorry for your loss. She ways a loving caring person. Rest in peace!
David Skaife April 01, 2025
Friend Laramie , Wyoming
Rest in the arms of the Lord my dear friend. It saddens me that it has been ages since we last talked. I always loved hearing that laugh and even the butt chewing over the years. You are a one of a kind and I hope to see you on the other side. My heart goes out to everyone in the family. Johanna will live on always in each of our hearts and memories.
Dusti Perkins April 01, 2025
Family Baraboo , Wisconsin
My condolences on your tragic loss. Mama Jo will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers to you all. Fly high beautiful angel.
Jody Steiger Leese April 01, 2025
Jody Steiger Leese Reagan , Tennessee
You were one of the best ladies I ever met! Always made a person feel welcome and loved! You will be missed, but all the beautiful memories of you will carry on! God Bless you my dear friend! Rest in peace with all the loved ones you missed dearly! Until we meet again in Heaven! Loved you and you will always be in my heart!
Docia Michalek April 01, 2025
Friend Antigo , Wisconsin
I'm deeply sorry for your loss of such an incredibly amazing soul. I will always cherish every karaoke night I spent with her and know she's still belting it out in true Jo style. Wish I could be there in person but unfortunately I can't. She will always be remembered and missed terribly!
Pam DeVoe Titus April 01, 2025
High school friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Gone but you'll never be forgotten. My condolences to the family and friends. Say hi to Sandy Jo. You will surely be missed.
Pam DeVoe Titus April 01, 2025
High school friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Gone but never forgotten. Condolences to the family and friends. Say hi to Sandy., Jo. You will surely be missed.
Jennifer Boies April 02, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry for your loss.
Nancie Martz April 02, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My friend, I miss you so much already! I know you are reunited with Donna, so now I miss both of my beautiful little sisters. Try to stay out of trouble girls! So many memories of the laughter, love and fun. Us both having cancer was so scary, but you were always there for me. A shining beacon of determination that we would both beat it. And we did, because we're both independent strong women, and had the great support of so many friends & family. Dancing, singing, drinking a little, or a lot, you were such a joy to be with no matter where we went. You made me part of your family, like you've done with so many other's. I want you to do something for me. Check up on all the boys, give them all my love, & say hi to Tami for me. Like I told Dave, light the bonfire & keep it going until the rest of us join you. See you later beautiful.
Michelles Deyo April 02, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Many karokee memorys with you and more. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends during this time. Rip johanna
Sharon Schnurr April 02, 2025
Childhood friend and classmate Neenah , Wisconsin
My deepest sympathy to the family. We had great times at the park and camping when we were kids. You always had a great smile. Till we meet again.
Tina and Michael lund April 02, 2025
Friends Mauston , Wisconsin
Hard to believe we will no longer be bumping into each other here and there like we often did. Though chance encounter it was always a joy to spend a few minutes grabbing and usually a laugh or two. Your bubbly personality was always a treat and will forever be remembered and missed. Our hearts are with the family and friends as we all navigate through the pain and sadness of her loss. Cry as the heart aches but don't forget to smile and laugh as she would want it this way.
Renee Castaldo April 02, 2025
Bestie Baraboo , Wisconsin
My condolences to the entire family. You will be in my prayers. Jojo was my best friend ever,I've known her for over 25 years. She was the sister I never had. Im going to miss her dearly.
Barbara Parchem April 03, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
So Sorry for your loss Johanna was an Amazing person and Friend Peace and Prayers to all
Eve K April 04, 2025
Agent Schaumburg , Illinois
Johanna was a beautiful individual, Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with the Bruns family, May she rest in peace, Amen.
Dave and Jo Lane April 05, 2025
Friend Lone Rock , Wisconsin
The last gathering we got to enjoy your company was at Marti's celebration. Try to behave now that you're on the other side with her. Always a smile, good conversation and a hug from you..we will miss you until we meet again.
Randy Reinfeldt April 09, 2025
Friend Las Vegas , Nevada
My condolences to Jo’s family and friends. Jo you were a great friend and I have so many memories growing up as young kids as old neighbors. You lit up the room when you walked in. Heaven gained a Karaoke Queen and you are now reunited with your Dad and sister Donna. Rest easy Jo until we meet again.