"It was fun to renew a high school friendship with Bill and Helen during the years they, too, lived in Sun City. Before their departing Sun City, we shared a fun week-end in Winona where we attended a class reunion Here in Sun City, Bill and Helen would visit and we'd share family experiences. Memories are great!"
In loving memory of
Helen E. Bruss
December 1, 1925 - December 3, 2009
Helen Elaine Hinkley Bruss
December 1, 1925 - December 3, 2009
Helen was born Dec. 1, 1925 on her Great grandfather, Cornelius Hinkley's farm near Eyota, MN to Matilda Reed and Neil Francis Hinkley. At a young age, when Helen's mother passed away she went to live with her Great Aunt and Uncle, Addie and Ted Nation of Winona, MN, who later adopted her. Helen attended Winona Sr. High School graduating in 1943. She attended Winona Secretarial Business College with her first job as Secretary to the Mill Supt. at Miller Waste Mills, Winona, MN. Helen met William (Bill) Bruss on a blind date and was married two years later on, June 12, 1946, after Bill returned from WorldWar II. They were married at Central Methodist Church in Winona, MN where they made their home and had two daughters, Barbara Jo and Heidi. In 1956, the family moved to Austin, MN and then to Northfield, MN in 1963. Throughout these years, Helen worked as a Secretary to elementary and high school principals, and then to the Director of Development at Carlton College in Northfield, MN. Her last position before retiring was as Assistant to the Director of Placement at Carlton College. It was difficult to leave the learning and refreshing environment she came to love. Once both retired, Helen and Bill moved to Sun City, AZ for 10 years and then due to Bill's health they moved to Garland, TX to be near their daughter Barb. During retirement, Helen loved to volunteer at church, travel, work on family genealogy, do ceramics, tend to her flower gardens, and be with friends as witnessed by the various groups she belonged to: Century Club, Garden Club, Oakridge DayTimers' Group, & Athens Chapter #82 OES. However, her greatest joy was participating in her grandchildren's activities and enjoying her two daughters.
She is survived by daughters Barbara Jo Stauffer (Ladd), of Garland TX, Heidi Bruss, Seattle WA; one granddaughter Brittany Bruss-Arcand, six grandsons, Dustin and Zachary Bruss-Arcand of Seattle; Jeremy, Travis, Peter and Chad Stauffer of Garland; four sisters, Etta Hoy, Florence, KY; Faith Hinkley, Austin,MN; Jessie Babcock, Lewston,MN; Ann Riddle, Sun City, AZ; a brother and wife, Neil & Lillian Hinkley, Winona, MN; brother-in-law, Gale Hill; many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Helen was preceded in death by parents, great, aunt and uncle Theodore & Addie Nation, dear husband William M. Bruss, brother Robert Hinkley, and sister, Yvonne(Bonnie) Hill;
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 11th from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service Hansen Goodview Chapel. Interment will take place immediately following the visitation at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.
Tributes
"Barb & Heidi..I will always be there for you, and your families. Please know that your Mom & Dad meant so much to many, and that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. The holidays will be different now, but know that they are watching over you, and that their spirit lives inside of you too. This is a revised letter that I wrote to your Mom telling her what she meant to me. "The world was given a special gift of her spirit, and there are not many souls out there like that of Helen. But especially for me, she was one of the most precious gifts in my life. I will forever treasure the countless memories of her love and laughter, and most of all that sparkle in her eyes. True elegance inside and out! She was always there for comfort and guidance through the best and worst of times. Giving of herself to others that special feeling that really touched people. She always inspired me to be a better person who gives to the ones she loves. I will never forget her." Love Sheryl"
"When I read of Helen's passing in our local paper , I thought to myself " I know her !" . To explain , Helen lived one block away from our house on Main street in Winona . Helen and I became fast friends , and during our school years ( mostly junior and senior high ) , we walked to and from school together every single day . I remember her well . After graduating , we went our separate ways , and I have often wondered what happened to her . It was so interesting to read of all her lifelong activities. I long ago left Winona ; have married and have 4 children ; also taught kindergarten for 33 years. We live in Rochester and lead a busy life here . My condolences to all your family . I remember Helen with great fondness and affection . Katherine"
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"helen was a great gal. she brought laughter to all family reunions.we will miss her.. our sympathy to the family...gary and sue and families."