Arlene Bruess

Arlene M. (Sobkowiak) Bruess, 85, passed away on Saturday, January 25th at her home in Wausau, after an unexpected brief battle with lung cancer. Arlene was born in Wausau on April 4, 1939 to the late Felix Sobkowiak and Celia (Kozlowski) Koppa, formerly Sobkowiak. She lived a life full of family, friends, laughter and fun. She joined her Lord peacefully, surrounded by the love of her two daughters.

Arlene was an outgoing person who loved having adventures. She grew up in Wisconsin but lived in California for a while with her dear friend Karen, which provided lifelong memories and stories. She returned to Wisconsin to marry her husband of 53 years, Robert (Bob) Bruess, who she met while working as a bookkeeper at WSAU-TV. After having her children, she worked as a Relations Specialist at Catholic Charities, and then later at Lutheran Social Services. In both positions she impacted the people she helped and made lasting friendships. Always one to give more than she received, she also spent considerable time volunteering with her church, the Girl Scouts, and in the community.

Arlene was dedicated to taking care of people, especially those she loved. She was generous with her time and would do anything to make their lives better. She spent quality time with her grandchildren and grand-puppies, travelling across the country and state frequently to watch their sporting events, read them books, and play games including cribbage, which was a personal favorite. She enjoyed trips to the beach, vacations at Disney with the grandchildren, time in Idaho with her sister Donna, and travel to Mexico and Jamaica with the Stevenson family. She also had fun lunching and catching up with her friends, seeing shows at the Grand Theater, and playing bingo whenever she had the chance.

Arlene was often told that she was more fun than most people half her age, and that was the truth. She talked a lot, she laughed a lot, and she never met a stranger. Arlene was compassionate, fiercely independent, and she had a positive spirit that she shared with everyone. Even though her family and friends will miss her greatly, they know that Bob was waiting to celebrate her return home with a perfectly made gin and tonic with extra olives.

Arlene leaves behind her two daughters, Cheryl (Chris) Perry of Kimberly, Alabama and Donna (Scott) Stevenson of Lisbon, Wisconsin. She also leaves five cherished grandchildren - Jesse and Madison Perry and Logan, Justin and Emily Stevenson. Arlene is survived by one sister - Donna (Donn) Doss, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by the love of her life - her husband Bob - and her older sister Patricia (Sobkowiak) Gorecki. She will be most remembered for her love of life and the great care she took of her family and friends.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the wonderful hospice providers from Interim HealthCare of Wausau who helped make her transition easier. They are also grateful for the love and prayers of all their wonderful neighbors, friends and family.

Services will be held at a later date. Details will be posted on the Brainard Funeral Home website and in the Daily Herald.