Caroline Bruner Werner, beloved daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend, passed away at home on February 4, 2026.
Caroline was born in Merriam, Kansas, on April 11, 2003, to parents Jennifer and Stephen, joining her elder brother, Patrick. Even as a small child, Caroline displayed an abiding love for all animals, especially cats, and she leaves behind her beloved kitties, Guillermo and Biggie Smalls, whom she considered family. Caroline was raised in Lansing, where she was a member of the Class of 2021. Caroline is preceded in death by her father, Stephen, as well as maternal grandparents, Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Jane Bruner, paternal grandfather, James “Jim” Werner. Left behind to eternally treasure the memory of Caroline’s fun-loving nature are her mother, Dr. Jennifer Bruner Metzger (Mike), her brother Patrick Werner, her Aunt Emily Bruner Dunn (Patrick), her uncle, Dr. Craig Bruner (Katherine), her paternal grandmother, Maureen Werner, as well as beloved cousins, Charlotte, Declan, Sophie, Elizabeth, and William. What everyone who knew Caroline will miss most is her fantastic laugh, sense of humor, and the love she had for her friends and family near and far.
Memorial Services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Jennifer, Mike, Patrick and family-I was so shocked and saddened by the news of your beloved Caroline’s passing. I have a picture of you Jen, from early adulthood, and she looks so much like you did at that age and shared so many of your wonderful traits. Caroline was clearly treasured by so many and I will remember her fondly. My heart goes out to you and your family dear friend. You have my sincerest condolences.
Oh Caroline how many good memories I had together with you. you will hold a deep spot in my heart. We have not talked in a little while but I will never forget everything I went through with you and all the good times . Me and my family loved you so very much . You were the most outgoing, goofy , sweet, caring and unapologetically yourself and that’s what made you so amazing. You didn’t deserve to go so soon . You deserved the world even when we weren’t in contact for that short period I was always rooting for you . You will be deeply missed . Rest up queen🪽
Hey you… you were such a great person and a beautiful soul to hear what I’ve heard today makes me sick… I’m glad me and you got to spend time and hangout before your life was stolen from you. R.I.P you beautiful angel 🕊️🫶🏾 you’ll forever be missed and cherished on this side I love you Caroline I really do… now you take it easy up there babygirl..🪽
I have had the true honor and love accompanying being close to Caroline. She remain s and always my sweet girl.
Until I see you again,
Molly
Jen, I am so very sorry for you.
I remember when you brought the kids up to Plattsburg for a PHPH party out here in the boonies.
I’m heartsick for you, to have lost your beautiful girl, and I wish there were better words to convey my sympathy.
Paul and I send our sincere condolences. I love you.
Caroline,
You are such a beautiful, animated spirit. I love you, sweet girl and I am so, so sorry. You deserved so much more than life handed you and you will be missed in more corners of the Earth than you could imagine.
You made everyone laugh and shared your slime unapologetically. You have been a light in so many people’s lives. I will always miss our comedic connection and your amazing voice. Thank you for all of the memories. You will be incredibly missed. I can’t wait to say bing with you and laugh about leftover nights. I truly trust your at peace, and if anyone deserves that it’s you
Oh Jennifer. My heart breaks for you. She looks so much like you, and from what I’m reading, it sounds like she also had your passion for animals, love for life, and just the sweetest person. There are no words to help ease your pain. I am confident that Caroline and her dad are looking down on you and the family with admiration for your strength.
My heart aches with the loss of Caroline. Her affection for her cats, her generous spirit, and her contagious laugh brought light to so many. She loved her family and friends with a devotion that will never be forgotten. May God hold Caroline tightly in His loving arms, and may He also hold her family and loved ones close in these days of sorrow, surrounding you all with tenderness, hope, and peace.
Dear Jennifer, My heart is sick over hearing of the passing of your Caroline-from reading, Caroline had the same loving and compassionate heart as you. The McKee family back in Lansing are all sending love and peace. 💗🙏
The Gentle Care Animal Hospital family extends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Dr. Bruner and her family on the passing of her beloved daughter, Caroline. Our hearts are with Dr. Bruner during this incredibly difficult time, and we are keeping her and her loved ones in our thoughts.
With sympathy and care,
Gentle Care Animal Hospital
Thank you for being my little sister at TC. It was such an honor to know you and watch you grow. Thank you for being there for me when I needed. I’m sorry for letting so much time pass in between reaching out. You always knew how to make me smile or laugh when things went wrong or no matter how sideways it was. I will always cherish those memories with you.
Forever the little sister I never had. I love and miss you🤍
Rest in peace Caroline. I have such fond memories of our time together as kids, so many years ago in Kansas. I wish we could’ve seen each other again, but I know the lord is with you and your father up in the sky.
Ugh. Seeing your obituary made it so much more real for me. I just know your dad welcomed you with the biggest hug and probably hasn’t stopped hugging you since. I wish you knew how many people adored you. I wish I would’ve reached out more. It’s been on my heart a while to just check on you but I always let something else be more important. I hope you are at peace. I cannot thank you enough for being the reason my boyfriend and I met. We have been together 5 years and we wouldn’t be here without you introducing me to other people to hang out with that just so happened to be in his friend group. Ugh I’m just sick. Thank you for putting me on to Drake. You always had music on that had me asking what the title was so I could put it on my playlist. You were the coolest. I wish you knew how loved you were here on earth, but i know you are up there geeking about how cool heaven is and probably talking God’s ear off. Rest in peace Queen.
The day this picture of her was taken was such a good day. Such a great memory and gorgeous pictures of that day.
Sending you so much love and sincere sympathy. I hope the memories you have of beautiful Caroline will bring some peace to you in the days to come. Love you .
My heart breaks for you. There are no words to express how sorry I am.