WoodmenLife Representative Knew the Importance of Life Insurance for Families. Then it Became Deeply Personal.

For as long as Lauren “Kirby” Brunk can remember, WoodmenLife has been part of her life. The Sales Representative in Dayton, VA, became a member as a baby — making her the third generation with WoodmenLife.

Brunk grew up in a blue-collar family that believed in planning ahead, even when money was tight.

“My family was raised to know the value of investing in your future, and sometimes that means planning for the worst,” she said. “We were raised to know that tomorrow is not promised, but that planning can make those uncertain times a little more manageable.”

For her family, life insurance was not something to put off. It was a crucial way they looked out for each other.

Growing Up With a Different Understanding

Brunk saw early on what that kind of planning looked like.

“My father was insistent that there were life insurance policies for my brother and me,” she said. “My mother made sure she never missed a premium payment on our certificates.”

She understood the importance of maintaining them.

“If paying a monthly premium was somewhat tight, just imagine what a funeral would’ve done to my parents’ finances,” Brunk said.

The policies her parents worked to keep are still active today.

“Having those policies still in place ensures that our passing won’t leave a financial burden for the next generation.”

For Brunk, this was not just about a policy. It was about what life insurance for families can do when it matters most.

When Everything Became Real

Life insurance became personal in a new way the day Brunk began her career with WoodmenLife. She was set to attend her first area conference on a Friday.

“At 10:30 the night before, my father passed,” she said. “At 4:30 on Friday morning, I finally got home. And at 7:15, with no sleep, I met my co-worker to carpool to the meeting.”

She didn’t tell anyone right away.

“I didn’t say anything until we were close because I knew he would want to turn around,” she said. “But there was no way I was missing that meeting.”

Her decision came from knowing how her father felt.

“My dad loved this organization,” Brunk said. “He was so excited for me to join the WoodmenLife family as a Sales Representative. It’s what he would have wanted.”

The Kind of Support That Stays With You

During the meeting, she shared what had happened.

“Their reaction to my news was a true testament of the character of my team,” she said. “Everyone was so kind and supportive. Most couldn’t believe I was there, but I knew it was right where I was supposed to be that day.”

That support made a lasting impression.

“I may have been brand new to this group, but I was welcomed with open arms, condolences, and support,” Brunk said. “It’s support that still carries on today.”

It also helped shape how she approaches her role.

“That’s how I want to be as a Sales Representative,” she said. “Supportive and caring, for the long run.”

A Different Kind of First Experience

Soon after, Brunk’s father became her first death claim as a Sales Representative.

“My father was technically my very first client on my first day in the office,” she said.

She chose to handle the claim process herself.

“Calling the WoodmenLife Home Office was potentially harder than his funeral,” she said.

Even then, she understood why it mattered.

“I knew it would be important for the healing of our family,” Brunk said. “Even if indirectly, he would be able to teach me one last thing.”

What It Meant For Her Family

The experience showed exactly how life insurance can help families move forward.

“The death benefit would allow my mother to finally retire and be able to spend more time with her family,” Brunk said. “It would ease a financial need on our family.”

Looking back, the impact is clear.

“My father having life insurance allowed those of us left behind to breathe a bit easier and give my mom stability for her future,” she said.

That is what life insurance looks like in real life: It gives families support at a time when they need it most.

Carrying That Forward

Today, Brunk supports four WoodmenLife chapters and stays involved in her community.

“Both sides of my family come from a long line of First Responders and community involvement,” she said. “It’s in my genetics to serve.”

Her work with members and communities is part of who Brunk is.

“It never fails to bring me joy,” she said.

A Fourth-Generation Connection

Brunk and her husband are now raising their son, who is a fourth-generation WoodmenLife member.

Bringing her family into the WoodmenLife family matters to her. It gives her son the chance to see what it looks like to show up for others.

“Their support for my career is crucial,” she said. “It’s what allows me to do what I do.”

Looking Back and Moving Forward

In 2025, Brunk received the Field Associate Fraternal Excellence and Rookie of the Year awards.

Where she keeps those awards says a lot: They sit beside her great-grandfather’s community service award from 1976.

“How’s that for family history?” she said.

If you want to learn more about life insurance options, a WoodmenLife Representative can help you find the best solution for your family.

Written by: Diana Henry, Senior Digital Copywriter

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