Brunhild “Bruni” Kafka

Brunhild “Bruni” Kafka—mother, grandmother, and generous friend—passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

At 86, Bruni was fiercely independent. She spent the week of Christmas 2025 doing everything she loved—baking, dancing,walking her dog, eating German treats, and spending time with friends and family. After a debilitating stroke, her family cared for her in her final days.

Bruni was born June 27, 1939, in Berlin, Germany. There she met the love of her life, Ed Kafka, an American serviceman. They loved music and fell in love dancing under the night sky. In 1960, they moved to Illinois where the couple raised four daughters. When Ed passed away well before his time, Bruni moved to Utah in 1992 and continued to raise her family, including her grandchildren. Their love has stood the test of time.

Everyone describes Bruni as the strongest person they know, and it’s easy to see why—she was steady no matter what life threw her way (ach du lieber!). But those who had the pleasure of truly knowing her realized that her strength was matched by a nurturing, kind, lively spirit.

Bruni loved the nature of Utah, especially the mountains. She adored hummingbirds and wildflowers, listening to the sound of a burbling brook or waterfall, and the smell of pine and crisp mountain air. She enjoyed any activity that she could do outside from skiing and hiking to snowshoeing and enjoying a picnic and a glass of champagne or Heineken with a friend.

Bruni had a huge heart and a special affinity for animals. She gave many pets an exceptional life. In recent years, she had the great fortune of meeting the second love of her life—her dog Milo. The two were the best of friends and could often be seen taking walks around her neighborhood or going on field trips to Home Depot or TJ Maxx.

Bruni made friends everywhere she went from her “Chitchat and Chew” neighborhood group in Illinois to the Silver Sneakers at Cottonwood Heights Rec Center and her current neighborhood ladies lunch crew. Bruni was the kind of friend to show up with groceries for a sick friend or to roll up her sleeves to help clean or plant a garden. She inspired everyone she knew to be a better friend, and those who had the pleasure of knowing her will miss her kind and generous spirit.

Bruni had a real sense of fun and was always up for an adventure—from hunting for an overlooked gem in a vintage shop to an impromptu overnight trip to Colorado (she nearly gave her family a heart attack with that one). She loved music and dancing, once starting up a collection to keep the band playing late into the night while on a ski trip with her family and friends. And she never turned down a sweet treat.

Bruni was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ed, and her parents, Hedwig and Paul Weimann. She leaves behind her four daughters, Christine Schumm (Ted), Denise (Kevin), Kimberly, and Kelly (Eric); four grandchildren, Jason (Amy), Jennifer, Samantha Schumm (George), and Ryan Schumm (Kelly); and her great grandson, Jaydon. She will be forever missed. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, at her home. All are welcome to bring favorite stories of Bruni to share.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a gift in her honor can contribute to CAWS—an animal welfare organization close to Bruni’s heart. Donations can be made at  https://caws.org/donations/caws2025/