Juliann Marie Brunzell

Juliann Marie Brunzell (Juliann) ObituaryBloomington, MN - Juliann passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026 at the age of 74. She had family and friends visit her all day long, waited until the last person left, and then passed quietly on her terms. She was never one to leave a party early. Born on June 6, 1951 in Minneapolis to Jean and Cliff Brunzell. She attended Southwest High School and then Augsburg College. She is survived by her precious daughters, Sara and Mckenna (James), and her beloved grandchildren, Max, Ellie, and Winona; her devoted sister Barbara (Michael), and many adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins. Juliann fought various illnesses for 50 years with optimism and a strong will to live. She took each setback with resolute hope, becoming a role model on how to live a full life with major obstacles thrown in the way. She was called a miracle at the Mayo Clinic for how long she lived and thrived. She was the second female in Minnesota to be hired as a police officer. She worked at the University of Minnesota and then the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension always believing in protecting the underserved and fighting for women's rights. For many years, she served on the Board of Trustees for the International Association of Women Police connecting with women police officers throughout the world. Although she was a trail blazer at Mayo and in the police force, the real driver in her life was the love she had for her children and grandchildren. Julie was proud of Sara and Mckenna and was always happy to share news about their lives. Her grandchildren rarely heard the word "no" from her as they were always perfect. She loved them all deeply, and spending time with them at the cabin on Ten Mile Lake was her heaven. Traveling with them to exotic places was the cherry on the top. And she was the type of aunt who took her niece and nephew to dinner where they had ice cream first, in the middle, and last. There was always music throughout her life. Playing piano and violin early in life; later, loving jazz, funk, and even Gregorian chants, but only on rainy days. Juliann left us too early. May we all aspire to be the light in every room like she was and live life fully like she did. She would love that. A celebration of her life will be this spring when new life begins again and the earth is full of Julie colors.

Tributes

Juliann Marie Brunzell

June 6, 1951 - January 27, 2026

Tributes

Juliann Marie Brunzell

June 6, 1951 - January 27, 2026

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