Juliann Marie Brunzell

Juliann Marie Brunzell passed away peacefully at home in Bloomington, Minnesota, on January 27, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on June 6, 1951, in Minneapolis to Jean and Cliff Brunzell, she graduated from Southwest High School and later attended Augsburg College. She is survived by her daughters, Sara and Mckenna (James), her grandchildren, Max, Ellie, and Winona, her sister Barbara (Michael), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

For five decades, Juliann faced serious illnesses with remarkable optimism and determination. Regarded as a miracle by doctors at the Mayo Clinic, she met every challenge with hope and resilience, becoming an inspiring example of how to live fully despite significant obstacles. A trailblazer in her career, she was the second woman hired as a police officer in Minnesota. She served with the University of Minnesota and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, always advocating for the underserved and for women’s rights. She also served for many years on the Board of Trustees for the International Association of Women Police, building connections with female officers around the world.

Above all, Juliann’s greatest joy came from her family. She was deeply proud of her daughters and took immense delight in her grandchildren, who rarely heard the word “no” from her. She cherished time spent with them at the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake and on travels to faraway places. A devoted aunt, she created happy memories with her niece and nephew, including dinners that began, continued, and ended with ice cream. Music remained a constant thread in her life, from early years playing piano and violin to a later love of jazz, funk, and even Gregorian chants on quiet rainy days.

Juliann left us too soon, yet her warmth and vitality touched everyone who knew her. She brought light to every room and lived with courage and love that will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.