Elaine Doris (Plath) Bruss

Elaine Doris Bruss, 90, of Aitkin, passed away Monday, May 25, 2020 in Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin with her family by her side.  Elaine was born August 7, 1929 in Minnesota Falls Township to Arthur and Edith (Markgraf) Plath.  Elaine was united in marriage to Henry “Bud” Bruss on October 16, 1949 in Wood Lake.  Elaine was an accountant for Bruss Brothers Contracting Company which her husband, Bud and his brother, Loren owned and operated for 13 years. Elaine also was District Manager for Beeline Fashions for 10 years and later owned and operated Elaine’s Fashions. In 1977, Elaine and Bud moved to Aitkin and purchased the Edgewater Beach Resort which they operated until selling the resort in 1991.  Elaine was then the Dining Room Supervisor at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge until her retirement.  She was a former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Aitkin and also head of the ladies aid and a current member of First Lutheran Church, Aitkin.  Elaine was also a member of Lions.  She enjoyed playing cards (Pinochle and 500), watching her great grandchildren play baseball and especially spending time with her family.  Elaine will be missed by all who knew her.

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband, Henry “Bud” Bruss; son, Daniel; brother, Arthur Plath and her parents.

Elaine is survived by 3 children, Tom (Chere) Bruss of Aitkin, Kathy (Terry) Dox of Aitkin and Pam (Larry) Kramer of Aitkin; grandchildren, Troy Dox, Krista (Charlie) Anderson, Jason (Jen) Dox, Matthew Bruss, Timothy Bruss, Daniel Novotny, Kelsey Kramer (Alan Mahowald) and Robert (Keri) Kramer; great grandchildren, Kenzie Kampen, Carter Dox, Jake Anderson, Mara Dox, Breckin Dox, Sailor Dox, Hailey Sargent, Sutton Kramer and Rollins Kramer; sisters, Lalah Bahn of Wood Lake and LaDonna (Norm) Benson of Waconia; brother, William (Joy) Plath of Sacramento, California; sister-in-law, Lois Plath of Oakdale; many other relatives and friends. 

A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, June 6 from Noon until the 1 PM Graveside Service in Lakeview Cemetery, Aitkin.  To leave an online condolence, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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