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.
