Penelope Ann Bruess

Penelope A. Bruess, 74, Kronenwetter, died on Monday, November 27, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. 

She was born in Wausau on February 23, 1949 to the late Vernon and Evelyn (Hendrickson) Holbrook. She graduated from Wausau High School and married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Michael Bruess, on January 9, 1968. 

Penny was known for her green thumb and spent countless hours tending to her perennial garden. She was also an amazing cook and loved trying new recipes. Penny had a competitive nature, playing billiards for many years. She enjoyed word games and was a master at Scrabble and loved competing against her kids and grandkids in the daily Wordle. Penny also enjoyed spending time at her cottage in St. Germain, going for pontoon rides and sitting in her floaty or reading on the patio. She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Bailey, but her greatest enjoyment came from time spent with family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events, or having them for movie night sleepovers.

Penny was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister who will be greatly missed by her son Andy (Leah) Bruess of Brussels, WI; her daughter Heather (Paul) Bartnik of Kronenwetter, WI; her grandchildren Kaley, Ellie and Eli Bruess, and Jena and Kylie Bartnik; and siblings Wayne (Missy) Holbrook, Alfred Holbrook, Sue (Doug) Laffin, and Jane (Rich) Frohm.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Bruess, parents Vernon and Evelyn Holbrook, and brothers Robert, Dan, and John Holbrook.

A visitation for Penny will be held on Saturday, December 2 at BRAINARD FUNERAL HOME, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, from 1-3:45 pm.   Her memorial service will follow at 4 pm.