Joann Marie (Vessels) Bruner

 Mrs. Joann Marie (Vessels) Bruner, age 87, of Brandenburg, KY, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.  Joann was born on March 28, 1938, the daughter of Joseph Lawrence and Lillian Marie (Lorenz) Vessels. 

     Joann was a longtime and very active member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church.  She, along with several other parishioners, were instrumental in the opening of St. John the Apostle Catholic School.  She served the church as a cantor and religious education teacher for many years.  She was a proud recipient of the Roncalli Award presented by the Archdiocese of Louisville, for her dedication to educating others about her faith.  Joann also was a dedicated advocate for the children of her community.  She worked tirelessly for them in her role as the Child Support Enforcement Officer assisting the Meade County Attorney’s office.  She was also a longtime Family to Family instructor for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).  Most importantly, she was the matriarch of her family.  She instilled a strong work ethic in her children, as she took care of the house, the garden, the farm, and the animals, as her husband supported them as an over-the-road truck driver for over 50 years.  She had a big heart and a welcoming spirit.  Her family never knew who would be joining them for a meal at any given time because she lived by the motto, “There is always room for one more.  We have plenty!”   She also loved to travel, and along with her husband followed the Bluegrass Music Tour along its many stops.

     Joann was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 63 years, Robert Bruner.  She is survived by seven children, Teri (David) Dugan, Diane (David) Burnett, Jim (Yo) Bruner, BeeDee Whelan, Joey (Leigh Ann) Bruner, Steven (Renee) Bruner, and Theo Bruner; her two bonus children, Holly and Trey Richardson;13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; her brother, Bill (Kathy) Vessels; and two sisters, Marilyn (P.D.) Matthews, and Geraldine Kingstone.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, with Revs. Michael Martin and Toan Do officiating.  Burial will follow in St. George Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at Hager Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, and at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of mass on Wednesday.  A vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hosparus of Central Kentucky.