Lucy Mary Brutlag

Born and raised on a North Dakota farm to Czechoslovakian parents, Lucy’s early years were shaped by hard work, resilience and the rhythms of rural life. She didn’t need to learn English until she started school at age five. In winter, when the farm work slowed, their father would bundle them under blankets in a horse-drawn sleigh and carry them across snowy fields to visit relatives.

She had a green thumb and loved flowers. A gifted seamstress, she could craft anything from delicate dresses and men’s suits to draperies and furniture upholstery. She also had a love of antiques and baking. Her kitchen was a haven of comfort and joy. She poured love into everything she touched.

She worked at Northern States Power (where she was even nominated to run for Miss Aquatennial), then at Minnesota Fabrics and later at the United States Post Office.

She had a playful side and it was a huge thrill when she once won a Ford Mustang. We said she should give it the license plate “Lucky Lucy”.

She also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Europe.

She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, kindness and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in every garden bloom, every perfectly stitched seam and every sweet bite of pie shared in her honor.

Lucy is survived by her daughter Diana Springfield, son Todd Brutlag, son-in-law Randy Hauan, grandchildren Jamie Berg, Tara Hauan, Alex Hauan, Justin Sanger, Lora Grabowski and great-grandson Tyler Wheeler. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Brutlag, parents Anton and Helen Kalal, sisters Helen Haugen and Georgia Petrick, son Robert Brutlag and daughter Susan Hauan.

In keeping with her wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. She asked that we carry on with joy and fond memories.