Gloria Ruth Brantner

Gloria Ruth Brantner (VanBrunt) passed away Monday, August 4th at her home. Gloria was born on September 20, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Ross and Ruth (Schultz) Van Brunt. She was raised on her family’s farm just outside of Gilmanton, where she developed a deep-rooted love for the land, education, and family.
Born with dislocated hips, Gloria faced challenges early in life. At the age of 11-12, she spent 22 months and one week at the Shriner’s Hospital, enduring many surgeries and procedures to help her walk. Despite missing a significant amount of school and still having some mobility issues, she never let those obstacles stand in the way.
A proud graduate of Gilmanton High School in 1960, Gloria went on to earn her teaching degree from Buffalo County Teachers College in 1962. She started teaching in Glenwood City, Wisconsin at age 19, she was let go and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1966 and her master’s degree from Winona State College in 1977.
In 1962, Gloria met the love of her life, Cedric Brantner. The two married on August 15, 1964, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and shared purpose. They settled in Urne, WI. Gloria taught in Pepin.
Cedric was drafted in 1966 and while at boot camp Gloria followed him to Texas for the summer. When Cedric was deployed, Gloria moved back to Urne and began teaching in Arcadia the fall of 1967. She would go on to dedicate 15 years to her students, retiring in 1982.
Together, Gloria and Cedric raised two daughters, Denise and Deanna. Gloria was a devoted mother, and later, a proud and loving grandmother to Garret and Eve Pavelka. She never missed an opportunity to share stories about her grandchildren, and she made it to nearly every event she could—even while courageously battling cancer.
Gloria was an active member of her community before and during retirement. She served with the Buffalo/Pepin Retired Educators’ Association, taught Sunday school and Bible school. She held leadership roles in the Ladies Aid and the W/ELCA. Gloria was a member of the church council, Northwest Synod, and served on the Dairyland board. Her summers were filled with joy—working in her flower beds, gardening, canning, RV camping, and hosting neighborhood swims with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Ruth (Schultz) Van Brunt and her brother, Darrell Van Brunt. She is survived by her beloved husband Cedric Brantner; daughters Denise Brantner and Deanna (Brantner) Pavelka; and grandchildren Garret Pavelka and Eve Pavelka.
Gloria’s legacy of strength, kindness, and devotion lives on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Lyster Lutheran Church in rural Nelson. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com.