June Belle Brunette died Friday, February 18, 2022, resting peacefully at Cambridge Sr. Living in Rice Lake.

She was born May 21, 1929, to Arnold and Nora Strand in rural Rice Lake, WI.

After graduating from High School and attending college, June married Thomas Brunette on March 25, 1950. They moved to New York where June worked for Pratt & Whitney. In 1955, they moved back to Rice Lake. June worked at the Rice Lake Grocery Company and then for many years at UW Center, Barron County Campus, where she held many positions in the general office and in the Admissions Office. She helped many students with their scheduling and financial aid planning as well as helping the instructors with class scheduling and grades each semester. June loved gardening and her home was known for its many perennial gardens. In later years, her husband built a greenhouse for her where she started many vegetables for their large vegetable garden. She also loved baking and at the holidays made several Norwegian cookies and treats that she served at home and at the college. June participated for many years at the local Food Pantry, assisting in whatever help was needed. She loved to travel. Her favorite was the trip to France with the French class. We will miss the love she shared and her smile.

She is survived by her son Greg (Shari), sister-in-laws Sandy (Brunette) Cuzzo, Doris (Brunette) Henrich, Lavonne Brunette, and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Brunette, her brothers and their spouses Roger (Irene) Strand, DeWayne (Alice) Strand, Nels (Betty) Strand and her parents Arnold and Nora Strand.

There will be a Funeral Service at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake on Tuesday, March 1, at 11:00 am, with visitation at the church one hour before.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals is assisting with all arrangements.

We would like to thank the Cambridge Staff and St. Croix Hospice for all of their love and support.

Last Update: Feb 21, 2022 6:25 pm CST