Betty J. Bruins

Betty J. Bruins, age 95, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Betty was born November 11, 1929 in the town of Trenton in Dodge County, the daughter of John R. and Henrietta Boerson Vande Zande. Betty was a graduate of Brandon High School in 1947. Following her graduation Betty was employed by Wisconsin Power and Light for five years. On June 4, 1952 she married Glenn Bruins at Bethel Reformed Church in Brandon. Following their marriage the couple resided in the town of Alto all their married lives. Betty was employed at Alto Dairy for 27 years and retired in 1995. Betty was a member of Alto Reformed Church where she taught Sunday School, Bible Class, and was past president of the Classis Union of the RCWM. She was also a member of Happy Hour Homemakers Club, the Golden Lifers, Waupun AARP, and past secretary and treasurer of the Speed Queen retirees. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved making quilts, and sewing.

Betty is survived by three children: Doug (Paula) Bruins, Susan (James) Shulfer and Lisa (Herb) Semrow; daughter-in-law, Debbie Bruins; 10 grandchildren: Ben (Sarah) Bruins, Dan (Ashley) Bruins, Peter (Susan) Bruins, Adam (Rhiannon) Bruins, Megan (Andy) Wierl, Kyle (Meghan) Shulfer, Emma (Nick) Biever, Melissa (Matthew) Czerwinski, Mary (Andrew) Helland, and Carl (Paige) Semrow; 10 great-grandchildren: Jonah Bruins, Asher Bruins, Esther Bruins, Trey Bruins, Laney Bruins, Nora Bruins, Malyn Bruins, Leo Wierl, Milo Wierl and Lila Shulfer; sisters-in-law: Lorraine Vande Zande, Elaine Bruins, and Betty Bruins; a brother-in- law, Harold Redeker; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Bruins; her parents; son, Paul Bruins; siblings: Ruby (Willard) Braun, Jessie (Russell) Vanden Berg; Helen Vande Zande, LaVerne Vande Zande, Dave (Marie) Vande Zande, and Henry Vande Zande; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Elton Bruins, Henry (Joan) Bruins, Joyce (Tony) Vande Zande, and Cynthia Redeker; niece, Jane Nitschke; and nephews: Gary Vande Zande and Mitch Vande Zande.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11 am at Alto Reformed Church with Randy McDaniel officiating. Burial to follow at Alto Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 3-5 pm and on Monday at the church from 10 am until the time of service.

Memorials may be directed to the Alto Reformed Church library or Bible League International.