Elaine Estelle Bruns (nee Helmich), 91, of Granite City, IL, born July 21, 1931 in Troy, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2:18 pm at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and loved Jesus.  Elaine met her husband, Vernon H. Bruns, through the church that they both attended and Walther League.  They married on November 18, 1950, and lived together for 63 years on their farm.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, farmer, grandmother , sister, aunt, and friend who will truly be missed.  She enjoyed farming, traveling, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, and quilting.  She especially loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and always cherished holding them as infants.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Bruns (2014); parents, Irwin Helmich and Estelle (nee Niebruegge); and brothers, Earl, Ray, and Clyde Helmich.

Surviving are her children, Thomas (Terry) Bruns of Burr Ridge, IL; Ronald Bruns of Granite City, IL; Karen Brown of Granite City, IL; nine grandchildren, Lauren, Matt, Brian, Kevin, Victoria, Catherine, Jacqueline, Erin, and Jacob;  eight great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Mallory, Mika, Jack, Riley Elaine, Mackenzie, Kendrick, and Grayson; sister, Virginia Guse of St. Louis, MO; and brother, Kenneth Helmich of Levittown, PA.

Visitation will be held at Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main Street in Collinsville, IL, on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:30am, with Rev. Kyle J. Wright II officiating.  Burial will be in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.