Robert "Bob" G. Brudos

Robert G. “Bob” Brudos, 90, of La Crosse, died on Sunday, July 5, 2020 in his home. He was born on September 19, 1929 in La Crosse to George and Ruth (Morton) Brudos. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Storandt in 1948 and except for a short time in Milwaukee and Mindoro they lived their entire lives in La Crosse. Their commitment and marriage lasted nearly 71 years.

Bob worked at Trane Company in the Lab for 15 years and ORC Industries for 10. When Betty turned a ceramics hobby into a full-time business, Bob left his job and they both worked side by side in the two-family businesses for 30 years. B & B Ceramics and Just for Fun Crafts sold wholesale and retail ceramics, crafts and supplies to the upper Midwest long before online options and large-scale retailers were open. They sold the businesses and retired in 1991. Retirement lasted a few months. Betty started working part time, later full time at My Florist until it was sold in 2012. Bob made volunteering a career as he helped anyone who needed him, especially church, schools and other non-profits. He coordinated and worked alongside many groups of volunteers to help kids and seniors at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, Causeway, and RSVP- Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and he enjoyed helping first graders read at local elementary schools. In addition, he was a volunteer maintenance man to those who either could not afford, or had no one else, to lend a helping hand.

Bob was known for his generosity and caring. He never sought recognition but was given numerous awards from local non-profit groups. Among them was The Jefferson Award for Community Service, the “Ageless Heroes Award” from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging, and RSVP.

He is survived by his wife Betty, two daughters, Dyanne (Roger) Brudos-Thornton and Mary Dawn Prindle, Grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, Erik (Katie) Johnson, step-grandchildren, Nick (Tanya) Thornton and Leslee (Thomas) Murphy, great-granddaughter Maggie Johnson, Step-great grandchildren, Tristan and Katelynn Thornton and Melanee and Greyson Murphy, a sister Virginia (Lindahl) Luckasson, and two brothers, Edward (Doris) Brudos and Kenneth (Emily) Brudos. He was preceded in death by his children, Shirley and Steven, his parents, and a sister Jeanette (John) Veldey.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Lewis Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Holmen, WI. Pastor Jim Glesne will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse, Olivet Lutheran Church, or Sugar Creek Bible Camp. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse are assisting the family.

Bob loved his faith and his family and took special care of the family dog Molly. Bob loved everyone and had a soft spot for children and seniors. He was one of the most unselfish, caring, grateful, and loving people on earth and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.