ROCHELLE — Frances A. Bruns, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Manor Court Bounce Back in Rochelle with her family at her side. She was born on October 1, 1938 in Oregon, IL, the daughter of Forrest and Louise (Wiltfang) Gillespie. Fran married Maynard E. Bruns on March 7, 1970 in Rockton, IL, he preceded her in death on May 27, 2015. Fran was a homemaker and farmer’s wife, and prior to retiring, Fran worked at Delmonte and then at Dr. Vernon Voltz’s office. Fran loved spending time with her family, attending all her children and grandchildren’s events and playing bridge with her many friends. She was a member of the Elim Reformed Church, where she served as a Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Teacher. Fran was involved with the RSVP program at the Rochelle Elementary Schools, Ogle County Heart Drive, Rochelle Food Pantry, Presbyterian Thrift Shop and the Rochelle Community Hospital Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers: Roger, Ronald, LaVerne and Robert Gillespie and a sister, Mary Gillespie.
Survived by her two sons: Timothy (Jami) Bruns, and Roger (Jen) Bruns both of Rochelle; two daughters: Joyce (Doyle) Curtis of Rochelle, and Mary Ellen Riggs of Springfield, IL; nine grandchildren, Donna (Joe) Drought, Barbara (David) Cunningham, David (Tina) Curtis, Zachary (Stacia) Spraetz, Meredith, Jillian, Brody, Braxton, and Brecken Bruns; and 11 great grandchildren, Matthew (Jorden) and Kristen Drought, Devon and John Cunningham, Eric (Jillian), Katie, Samantha and Ella Curtis, and Tucker, Ryder and Nataley Spraetz; great great-granddaughter, Madison Drought; sister, Vera Edmonds of Roscoe; and two sisters-in-law: Margaret Gillespie of Rockford, and Ruth Alm of Wisconsin.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jody Zhe, her good friend and caregiver, for her unconditional love, support and sweet spirit. Also, special thanks to Manor Court Bounce Back and Rochelle Community Hospital for their amazing care and kind hearts.
Visitation will be from 2 - 5 P.M. on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. Funeral will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, June 2, 2025 at the Elim Reformed Church, Kings, IL with Pastor Marv Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at the White Rock Cemetery in Kings. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice or the Rochelle Rescue Mission. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com
