Kathleen "Kate" Bruns Kitzmiller, born on November 3, 1955, in Maria Stein, Ohio, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma on January 20, 2025 at Elmwood Assistive Living in New Bremen, Ohio. She was the beloved daughter of the late Rev. Deacon Omer and Rita (Dahlinghaus) Bertke. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Robert & Alvina (Watercutter) Bruns.

Kate was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was first married to Harold "Harry" Bruns on July 9, 1977, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein, Ohio. Harry preceded her in death on December 22, 2021. On September 16, 2023, she married Don Kitzmiller at St. Augustine Church in Minster, Ohio, who survives her.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Alison and Darren Schortgen of Woodburn, Indiana; Ashley and Andy Brown of Kettering; and Cody and Lindsey Bruns of Grandview Heights. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Ava, Emma, and Lucy Schortgen; Brooks and Elyse Brown; and Veronica Kate Bruns. Don's children Andy & Danielle Kitzmiller, Cincinnati and Paul & Emma Kitzmiller, grandchildren, Ben, Charlie, Margaret, Lilly, Rocco, Philip, George, and Joseph.

Kate is also survived by her siblings: Steve and Dianne Bertke of New Bremen, Mary Jo and Marv Koester of Celina, Denise and Fats Kunk of Yorkshire, Patrick and Claudia Bertke of New Jersey, Lynn and Ray Moeller of Mendon, Gerry Berke of New Bremen, and Gregg Bertke of Chickasaw. She is survived by her in-laws: Fred & Edna Bruns of Troy, Jerry Bruns of St. Henry, Carol & Roger Gigandet of Versailles, Tom & Marilyn Bruns of Burkettsville, Mary Lou & Ken Meyer of Ft. Loramie, Dick Bruns of Houston, and Bill Bruns of Ft. Loramie. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Carol Bruns and nephew, Richie Bruns. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A 1974 graduate of Marion Local High School, Kate retired from Midmark in 2021. She was a dedicated member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Minster Eagles, and the Apostolic Movement of Schoenstatt. Kate found joy in reading and sewing. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandkids. She especially loved the Christmas season.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Monday January 27, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Minster, with Fr. Mark Hoying officiating. Private burial will follow at a later date at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday January 26, and from 9 AM to 9:30 AM on Monday, January 27.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Grand Lake Hospice. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.