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George Harvey Brus, 84, of Holstein passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2025.
George was born to Henry Hans Brus and Margaret Pauline (Weller) Brus on Feb. 26, 1941, in Manilla. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. He attended country school and later graduated from Denison High School.
In 1964, George was united in marriage to Phyllis Mae Gosch. They had four children: Brian, Margaret (Peggy), Mark and Cathy, and lived in Sac City, and later Newell. George served in the National Guard for six years. He worked hard his entire life, including for the Lytton Creamery, Hanson Silo Company in Lake View and finally Schoon Construction in Cherokee.
When he retired, he did not sit around but actively spent his time learning and doing things he loved. George fished, including learning from his sons how to catch large flathead catfish. He also read books and had a huge garden every year, learning to cook and can. He was generous with whatever he had, including regular blood donation, money, time, skills and hard work. He had many skills, and would do anything for his loved ones, including frequently volunteering to help them, never asking or expecting anything in return. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals Fan. George was a terrific dad and was proud of all his kids and grandkids. He had an awesome sense of humor and was always fun to talk to. He was a lifelong Christian and lived his beliefs every day. He will be missed terribly.
George is survived by his children: Brian (Lisa) Brus of Newell; Margaret “Peggy” Brus of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Mark Brus of Alta; and Cathy (Daryl) Gerdes of Kansas City, Mo.; as well as grandchildren: Kathleen (Danny) Mortier, Luke (Emily) Arnts, Grace Arnts, Joelle Arnts, Megan (David) Julius, Katie (Martin) Rodriguez, Kyla Brus, Levi Gerdes, Noah Gerdes and Natalie Gerdes; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Judy Nobiling, brother Jerry (Millie) Brus, brother John Brus and brother Steve (Sandi) Brus, as well as many nieces and nephews. Finally, he is survived by friends, including ex-wife and friend Phyllis Brus, and his coffee crew at the Barn in Holstein.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Joan Santee and Jeannette Mott; brothers, Dwight Brus and Henry Brus; sisters-in-law, Norma Brus and Ann Brus; and brothers-in-law: Marvin Nobiling, Benny Mott and Dick Santee.
Visitation will be held at Pauley Jones funeral home in Denison on Sunday, April 13, from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held on Monday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Moffit Animal Shelter, 1308 19th St. N, Humboldt IA, 50548.
