Kathleen Joanne Bruning

Kathleen Joanne Bruning (née Gibbons) was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955 and grew up in Glenview, Illinois. She was the fourth daughter of John & Jean Gibbons who, along with her beloved sister Donna, preceded her in death. Kathleen is survived by her husband Charles III and their three children: Lisa (Ryan), Charles IV, and Rachel (Mitch); and her brother Jack (Barb), sisters Carol (Jeff), ELF, Pattie (John), Muffin, and Lori (John); her many nieces and nephews, her lifelong BFF Kathy Rodger, and her cat Ping.

Kathleen and Charles married in 1997 and shared a wonderful life together. They met working at the bank and particularly enjoyed spending time together outdoors at Max McGraw or their cabin in the North Woods of Wisconsin. They also spent many years between Illinois and the Bruning family compound on Captiva before eventually moving in 2013 to Gulf Harbour in Fort Myers.

Kathleen was a very proud grandmother. Known by her four grandchildren (Rhett, Charlotte, Maxwell and Molly) as Kiki, she was always on the lookout for something to make them smile. Kathleen loved making every day an adventure with Charles — and part of that was cleaning up after his mess. They loved traveling and seeing the world, especially from the deck of a smaller cruise ship like the Windstar Line. Some of Kathleen’s favorite pastimes included collecting pinecones, shelling on the beach, fishing for sheepies, tackling a crossword puzzle, gardening, making the most beautiful flower arrangements, singing joyfully to her devoted backyard cardinal, and creating a fabulous homelife for her husband and all who were lucky enough to spend time with them.

Kathleen lived her life to the fullest, she carved her own path. Strong and stubborn, generous and caring — she was a wild flower who presence will be missed more than these words can express. RIP sweet Kiki.