ALICE BRUSS

Alice June (Knoke) Bruss, 97, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 19, 2023 at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI.

As the oldest of 10 children, she was born on June 24, 1925 in Shawano, WI to the late Herman and Lucy Knoke. Alice grew up and attended school in Gresham, WI. On September 28, 1942, Alice married Louis Bruss in Shawano, WI. Alice and Louis eventually moved their family to Champaign, IL. After Louis retired, they made their home back in Shawano, which was Alice's favorite place to live. Alice and Louis were married for 35 years. Several years after Louis passed, Alice moved to Kaukauna to be closer to her children. Alice enjoyed sharing many laughs and stories with family.

Alice is survived by five of her six children: Pam Paris of Kaukauna; Kathryn Dellinger of Appleton; Eileen (Norm) Stenglemann of Appleton; Dwight (Cindy) Bruss of Omro; and William (Carol) Bruss of Greenville; and by her daughter-in-law, Hazel Bruss of Appleton. Alice mourned the loss of her oldest son, Louis Bruss, Jr. in 2019. Alice is further survived by three of her siblings: Eugene Knoke; Daniel (Carla) Knoke; and Anita Knoke; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and her siblings: Herman Knoke; James Knoke; John Knoke; Ceil (Knoke) Bruss; Marion (Knoke) Moede; and Lorrain (Knoke) Jansen.

Alice was a loving and giving mother, grandmother, and friend. In addition to raising her six children, Alice took in and cared for many nieces and nephews. While raising her family, Alice enjoyed rummage sales, crafts, cooking, and decorating cakes for her family. She also enjoyed gardening and her flowers. At age 97, Alice was blessed with much wisdom and an excellent memory. She enjoyed sharing stories from years past, including many antics her kids got into. Alice was a devout Catholic with a heart of gold.

While residing at St. Paul Elder Services, the note on Alice's door states, “I like to be called Alice. My mom raised our big family and did volunteer work. Dad was a local mechanic. [Growing up] I was sassy. I had lots of pets: dogs, cats, birds, and fish. I like big band music. I like to watch TV and listen to the radio. My favorite drink is coffee. I like all kinds of food. Sleeping helps me relax. I get upset if I don't get my meals on time.”

A Mass of Christian burial for Alice will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St, Appleton. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service.

The burial will be Friday, May 26, 2023 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano, where Alice will be laid to rest next to her husband, Louis Bruss.

Family would like to thank St. Paul Elder Services staff for the love and care they showed Mom over the past several years.