Maxine Bruns

Maxine Bruns, age 76, of Maple Park, IL, passed away the morning of December 1, 2019, to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Sycamore, IL, on August 28, 1943, to proud parents, Oliver “Swede” and Jeanne (nee Keefe) Severson.
Attended Maple Park School, until she was a freshman and then attended Kaneland where she graduated in 1961. Shortly after graduation, Maxine went to work for the Wurlitzer Company.
While she was working at the Wurlitzer Company, Maxine met Don Foulk. After a whirlwind courtship, they eloped as soon as they could and made their home in Maple Park. During their marriage, Don and Maxine welcomed two boys, Keven and Kelley. Maxine and Don parted ways after years of marriage. Later when the boys were a little older, Maxine met Ralph Bruns, Sr. and they were married from 1976 to 2018 and their family grew with the arrival of Ralph “J.R.” Bruns Jr.
At the age of 53, the Wurlitzer Company closed their doors. After searching for some time, Maxine found a position as a playground assistant at Kaneland where she made many memories. Eventually, Maxine then went to work for BVD as their office manager. Maxine then found a position at Monsanto as an administrative assistant. After retiring from Monsanto, Maxine, the very diligent worker, went to work for her son at Innovative Graphics.
While Maxine was not at work, she served for the Gardner Cemetery Board. Maxine was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park, IL.
Even outside of work, Maxine had many ways to keep busy. As the boys got older, Maxine was there for every single event they were in, from sports, to fundraisers. When her boys had children of their own, Maxine was there for her grandchildren’s events as well. Traveling out of state was not an issue for her when it came to making sure she was there for her family.
Maxine was not only there for events, but she was also there to lend an ear or to offer advice to anyone in need. She was the nicest person you could ever meet. Maxine was a caregiver and a supporter; she supported everyone in any venture they tried. When her sisters had surgery, she would lend a helping hand. Whenever there was a need, Maxine was there to fill it.
With all she did to help care for her friends and family, there was one thing Maxine did not like, cooking. Maxine tried to avoid cooking as much as she could, but when the times came she needed to cook, she begrudgingly did so.
A passion of Maxine’s was her true love for her country. Her voice message machine always ended with “God Bless America”. Throughout her house her love showed true, from blankets to other decorations, there was always the Red, White and Blue.
Maxine was the life of the party. Wherever she went, she brought a ray of sunshine to light up the room and put a smile on faces. There was never anyone who was sad around Maxine, because she always cheered you up. She will be sorely missed, but the smiles and laughter she’s created will never be forgotten.
Maxine is survived by her three sons, Keven (Leigh) Foulk, Kelley (Kristi) Foulk, and Ralph “J.R.” (Erin) Bruns, Jr.; her six grandchildren, Anthony (Hillary Pierce) Foulk, Abby (Jeremy) Karasewski, Caroline Bruns, Addison Foulk, Emily Foulk, and Andrea Foulk; one great-grandson, Jameson Karasewski; her two sisters, her caregiver, Arlene (Norris) Gould and Kathleen (Donny) Lampkins; a devoted caregiver and niece, Tammy Gould; her special friends, Dave and Wanda Berens; several nieces and nephews, Ralph Bruns, Sr., and a community of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Swede and Jeanne Severson; her brother, Oliver “Buck” Severson, Jr.
A visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119, from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019. A service to celebrate her faith officiated by Pastor Stevan Saunders will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 506 Willow St., Maple Park, IL 60151, on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11 a.m. In typical “Maxine fashion” she will be late to her own funeral, but wants to ensure family and friends will be at the church by 11 a.m. to wait for her.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Maxine’s name. Checks may be made to the “Maxine Bruns Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A service to celebrate her faith officiated by Pastor Stevan Saunders will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 506 Willow St., Maple Park, IL 60151, on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11 a.m. In typical “Maxine fashion” she will be late to her own funeral, but wants to ensure family and friends will be at the church by 11 a.m. to wait for her.

A visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119, from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019