Gerald Ervin Bruss

Gerald Ervin Bruss, 82, of Winona, died Monday, September 5, 2011 at Lake Winona Manor surrounded by his loving family.Gerald was born at home in Winona on October 27, 1928 to Ervin and Clara (Schniepp) Bruss. During high school, he was introduced to Jean Atkinson, and the two were married in Winona on August 1947. Together, Gerald and Jean loved motorcycling to Montana and through the Black Hills. Oftentimes, their vacations were very spontaneous and rarely planned in advance. Recently, Gerald enjoyed a Caribbean cruise with his family. When he wasn't traveling, Gerald enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and friends. He was also president of the Winona Sportsman's Club for many years and was instrumental in buying the land and constructing the current building. One of Gerald's passions was music. He loved playing the accordion and serenading the neighborhood with his harmonica.He began his plumber apprenticeship with Sanitary Plumbing & Heating Co. in 1952 and was transferred to O'Laughlin Plumbing & Heating Co. During the third year of his apprenticeship, Gerald won state honors in St. Paul by placing first in his class. Since only fifth year apprentices were able to compete at a national level, he was unable to attend. In 1953, Gerald began his 20-year career with Winona Plumbing Company. In 1974, he started Bruss Plumbing, where he worked until his retirement in 2003.Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean Bruss; sons, Jerry (Carla) of Winona, Danny (Bonnie) of Winona, Steve (Becky) of Minnesota City; daughter, Cindy (Jim) Purdham of Fridley; grandchildren, Tim, Ben, Nick, Amy, Clayton (Jackie), Adam, and Allie Bruss, Tanya (Matt) Hoarn, Katie Purdham, Laura Purdham; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank and Roger Bruss; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Bruss; brothers, Bill and Arnie Bruss; and sisters, Irene Glenna and Carol Kemp.Funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel with visitation one hour prior. Reverend David McBride of Central United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.Please share a memory of Gerald with the family, sign his online guestbook, and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/244890