Kimberly J. Brainard

Kimberly Jo Brainard, age 62 of Glenwood, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. A celebration of Kim's life will be held on Friday, January 30th at 1:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the spring in the Glenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home. 

In memory of Kim's passion for nature, attendees are encouraged to wear green to the service. 

Kimberly Jo Brainard, beloved daughter of James Brainard and Gloria (Moe) Brainard, was born on June 9, 1963, in Glenwood, Minnesota. On January 4, 2026, Kim passed peacefully at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis after complications from heart failure.

Kim was the firstborn of three children and spent most of her life on the family property in Minnewaska Township, Pope County. Those family lands shaped her deeply and remained central to who she was.

Even from a young age, Kim never needed encouragement to go outside, nature was her natural home. The farm and its wooded pastures became her playground, her refuge, and her lifelong classroom. She knew the land intimately and loved it fiercely: the turtle pond that appeared each spring, the lush ferns of summer, and the brilliant colors of autumn trees. Through every season, Kim felt a deep and abiding connection to the living world around her.

She joyfully shared this passion with family and friends, delighting in identifying trees, plants, and animals by sight. Camping in state parks and spending time at lakes - whether alone or with loved ones - were among her greatest joys. Kim’s reverence for nature often found expression through her art and photography, where she frequently captured quiet moments such as glowing sunsets and rising moons.

Kim attended the First Baptist Church of Glenwood with her family, where she formed lifelong friendships through Wednesday evening Bible study and youth group activities. These relationships remained dear to her throughout her life.

Kim graduated from Glenwood High School in 1981 and went on to complete the Commercial Arts program at Alexandria Vocational Technical College in 1983. During this time, her artist’s heart flourished. She developed a love for color, form, and creative exploration - and became especially known for her fondness for vibrant hues. Anyone searching for magenta, cyan, or purple airbrush ink knew to look first in Kim’s desk.

Throughout her life, Kim embraced both visual and performance arts. Annual trips to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival were a cherished tradition, shared with family and friends as they admired artisans and immersed themselves in history. Her love of family, history, and horses also drew her to her extended family’s ranch in Gallatin County, Montana. These working visits - filled with adventure, responsibility, and connection - left a lasting imprint on Kim and brought her deep happiness.

Kim held various jobs over the years, including several positions in art and graphic design, which showcased her particular talent for sculpting and molding. She later became the owner of her own framing and matting business in Starbuck, Minnesota where she was able to share her creative gifts with others.

One of Kim’s greatest gifts, however, was her devotion to caring for those she loved. During her mother Gloria’s illness and recovery, Kim served as her sole caregiver beyond professional healthcare, a role she embraced with patience, compassion, and unwavering love. She later offered the same selfless care to other family members, including her father James, her uncle Charles, her aunt Catherine, and her brother John.

In time, this kindness was returned to Kim, as family members and dear friends surrounded her with support, compassion and love throughout her own illness.

Kim is survived by her brothers, Lance Brainard (Kimberle Anderson) of Kensington, Minnesota, and Johnathan Brainard of Starbuck, Minnesota; her nephew Alexander (Kayla) Brainard and great-nephews Colton and Asher of Oronoco, Minnesota; her niece Alexis (Kyle) Erwin of Kensington, Minnesota; and many loved and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gloria Brainard, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kim will be remembered for her gentle spirit, creative soul, deep love of nature, and steadfast devotion to those she loved. Her presence brought quiet beauty into the lives of many, and her memory will continue to live on in the lands she cherished and the hearts she touched.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.