Mike Bruess

Mike Bruess, 55, of Peoria, grew up on a farm near Protivin, IA, passed away at 5:21am Saturday, May 28, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his mother, LaVerne of Cresco, IA, his siblings, Karen Bruess (Mary Chval) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kenneth Bruess of Protivin, IA, Linda (Rich) Lechtenberg of New Hampton, IA, Jean Ann Bruess (Dean Rue) of Madison, WI, and Chuck (Angie) Bruess, of Trivoli, IL; sister-in-law, Jill Bruess; his nieces and nephews, Matthew and Sam Lechtenberg, Megan (Jeff) Nesvik, Chas (Sami) Bruess, Chris and John Bruess, and Jalynn (Tanner) Roberts; great-nieces and nephews, Alice and Colton Bruess and Calvin and Nora Nesvik; and his cousin and buddy, Dennis “Bubs” Bruess.

He was preceded in death by his father, brother Gerry Bruess, and three infant siblings, Patricia, Mary Jo, and Steven.

Mike was born to Cornell and LaVerne Sabelka Bruess on October 20, 1966 in New Hampton, IA. He grew up in Protivin, graduated from Crestwood High School in 1984, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Luther College in Decorah, IA. He came to Peoria to work for RLI for over twenty years, and later worked as a census taker, court researcher and statistician for Bradley University sports. Mike lived life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He was passionate about everything he loved to do and brought light and joy with him everywhere he went. As the ultimate fan, he visited all 30 MLB stadiums and was loyal to all his favorite teams: the Oakland A’s, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Bradley Braves. He loved watching movies, attended thousands of concerts, bowled and played softball, and was a pizza connoisseur. Mike’s energy, warm spirit and sense of humor will be deeply missed.

His family will hold a Celebration of Life from 4-9pm at Quail Meadows Golf Course in Washington, IL on Wednesday, June 1st. A visitation will be held at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Protivin, on Saturday, June 4th from 1:00 – 3:00pm with a prayer service at 3pm and interment to immediately follow at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Protivin.  Following the interment, friends may gather for a Celebration of Life held at The Mint in Protivin from 4:30 to 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Red Cross chapter or Holy Trinity Catholic School in Protivin, IA.

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