Darcie Alane Bruss

Darcie Bruss Our dearly beloved Darcie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., after a courageous 22-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She faced every challenge with remarkable grace, humor, and unwavering faith until she went home to be with Jesus. Following a severe stroke on June 11, she spent her final month at home on hospice, lovingly cared for by family. Even in her final days, she continued to reach for a hand and whisper, "I love you" and "thank you." Darcie was born on August 13, 1955, in Minneapolis to Daryl and Naomi Laub. As their first child and only daughter, she treasured being a big sister to her younger brother, Ethan. Growing up in Minnetonka, she enjoyed music, theater, piano, cheerleading, lifelong neighborhood friendships, and the unique experience of appearing on her father's children's television show. At 15, she met Carl Hedstrom while ice skating at a neighborhood Christmas gathering. They married in 1976 and welcomed three children: Erika, Hans, and Heidi. They spent several years living in St. Paul, raising their children and enjoying the Como Zoo area while creating vibrant memories with their families, often at the Hedstrom family cabin in Park Rapids or at her childhood home. Eventually they moved to Ontario, NY, in 1989, and though their marriage later ended, they maintained a relationship of respect and support for one another and each other's spouses. After returning to Minnesota with her three children in 1990, Darcie met and married Rick Bruss. Together they built a home filled with faith, hospitality, and love, raising their family in Willmar before eventually making Minnetonka their home in 2003. She homeschooled her children, formed lifelong friendships with dear neighbors, and later enjoyed serving residents & working within the marketing team at The Glenn Minnetonka. Through it all, she strove to build a life for her family while maintaining a relationship of respect and love alongside Carl and his wife, Renee, her children's "Bonus Mom." Over the years, the friendship established between the four of them created a partnership that fostered a grace-filled environment for all of their children. Above all, Darcie loved Jesus. Her faith in Christ shaped every part of her life and was evident in the way she loved others. Whether serving in the church nursery, participating in Bible studies, encouraging friends, or simply chatting with the Cub cashier, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. If one had the honor of being in her presence, it was inevitable that they would be met with an intentional, caring conversation, dosed in laughter and joy. Her family will always remember what has lovingly been deemed as "her mischievous, sparkling eyes", her unmatched ability to make others laugh, and her perfected art of lovingly teasing her children and sons-in-law with the many impressions she and Rick performed-routines that either left you doubled over with laughter or running away in delighted embarrassment. With all of these endearing qualities, it is without question, she left a lasting impression of grace, joy and selflessness on everyone she met. Even during chemotherapy, painful procedures, and after her stroke, she instinctively asked others about their lives before speaking of her own. In recent years, one of Darcie's greatest joys, apart from lunches with friends, road trips with Rick, wandering the candle aisle at Pier One, participating in her neighborhood book club, planting Spring flowers from Tonkadale, or finally figuring out her Delta SkyMiles for travel to foreign places like Ottertail County, MN, and Mexico...was spending time with her grandkids. Whether she was dancing with them to "The Final Countdown" or Phantom of the Opera, reading books with her silly voices, talking them through hard moments, searching for chipmunks in their ears, taking them to the theater, or gallivanting through the woods or riding bikes, she truly was the best Nana. She loved her family hard and well. She was a source of light throughout her life, shining for Jesus and loving everyone she met. Darcie was preceded in death by her parents, Daryl and Naomi Laub. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Rick Bruss; her children, Erika Billstrom (Mikel), Hans Hedstrom, and Heidi Gerten (Timothy); her cherished grandchildren, Sawyer, Miller, and Morgan Gerten; her brother, Ethan; and many extended family members and dear friends. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home in Hopkins, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Bible Church in Minnetonka, followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to attend both the visitation and Celebration of Life. Please feel free to dress in your warmest colors to honor Darcie's vibrant spirit. Our family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown to Darcie throughout her journey. Her light continues to shine in the lives she touched, and her legacy of faith, grace, kindness, and selfless love will remain with us always.

Darcie Alane Bruss

August 13, 1955 - July 8, 2026

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