Ruby M. Brunet

Ruby Mae (Krause) Brunet, a resident of Fond du Lac, WI died peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

Ruby was born April 8, 1929, daughter of Alfred E. Krause and Elise M. (Hein) Krause in rural Ripon, WI. Ruby grew up in a close knit family of four brothers, and two sisters. She was the second youngest of seven siblings.

Ruby received her early education in the Ripon school district, and was a graduate of Ripon Senior High School, class of 1946. She attended evening classes at MPYC, Fond du Lac. She was employed as a Service Representative and Assistant Cashier with Northwest Telephone Company, WI. Ruby also worked at Buechel Stone Company as a bookkeeper in Fold du Lac, WI, and later enjoyed many fulfilling years as a sale associate with Younkers, retiring there after 27 years in 2014.

On September 6, 1969, Ruby was united in marriage to Royden E. Brunet, officiated by Rev. Harley Tretow, at our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon. She and Roy shared 43 years of happiness until his death in 2013. Together they raised his 3 children Jeffrey, Mary Jo, and Scott. She enjoyed participating in military events with her husband, the children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events, and their weddings. Ruby took pride in her beloved nieces, Wendy, Sandy, Nancy, Cindy, Faden; and nephews, Michael Cory and Dean Krause, creating special memories to last a lifetime.

Ruby maintained active membership at Our Saviour’s UCC church (Psalm 23:1: The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want). Ruby was exceedingly grateful for God’s faithfulness in her life and will be sadly missed. She enjoyed reading, singing, concerts, dancing, strong bodied classes, was an avid Brewers and Packer fan, a former member of Ladies of the Elk Lodge #57, and volunteered at Second Impressions Thrift Store. She was devoted to her parents and ensured their every need was met in their later years. She had a strong love for the out-of-doors and gardening, caring for her yard, perennials, and decorating a fence.

She always had a passion for music and singing, especially 4 part barbershop style. It brought enthusiasm, expressing a blend of chords ringing through the rafters. She was a chartered member of the Lake Aires acapella (Green Lake, WI) for 10 years and later joined Sounds Celebration Chorus (Plymouth, WI), and was a member of International Women’s Singing Organization “Harmony Inc.” She looked forward to Tuesday evenings with other members and riding in Mariannes’s “Red Harmony Van” to rehearsal. Competing, performing at AC&C, and community events, brought joy and friendship as tight as the harmony they created.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Royden E. Brunet; stepdaughter, Mary Jo Brunet; brothers, Lawrence “Larry”, (twin brothers) Arthur and Arden, and Richard Krause; sisters, Louise Cory and Margie Prellwitz; sisters-in-law, Selma, Margaret, Pat, and Delores Krause; brothers-in-law, Lyle Cory and Phillip Prellwitz; niece, Sharon Dobratz; and nephews, Wayne Fullylove Krause, David Krause, and Keith Krause.

Surviving to cherish her memory include stepsons, Jeffrey J. Brunet of Redgranite, WI and Scott (Marcia) Brunet of Kennesaw, GA; 7 grandchildren, Joseph (Brittney) Brunet, Timothy Brunet, Amy Brunet, Cory (Brenda) Brunet, Andrew (Pamela) Brunet, Sarah Markhardt, and BJ Rienzi; 7 great-grandchildren, Alisha, Emily, Brady, Haylee, Coleman, Mason, and Tanner; 2 great-great grandchildren Alexis, and JJ. Ruby is fondly remembered by her church family; special neighbors; friends; chorus members; and beloved nieces and nephews; as well as special caregivers, Pat Kaiser and Greg Vanegtern. The family of Ruby Brunet extends a warm thank you to the staff at Home Helpers for their excellent and compassionate care during our Mom’s journey. During this difficult time, we appreciate everyone’s kindness and you will always be in our hearts.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Friday, September 12, 2025 at Our Saviour’s UCC Church, 343 Scott Street, Ripon, WI 54971. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 am, with Rev. Dr. Kevin Mundell officiating. You may view a livestream of the service by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Private family interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruby’s name may be directed to Our Saviour’s UCC Perish Nurse Fund; or Sound Celebration Chorus, W5001 Valley Creek Rd, Fond du Lac, WI 54937; or the charity of your choice.

Mom was a dedicated and supportive lady, proud of her children and grandchildren. Always wanting to make things better for us. She held us close. Rest easy now and know that we will always take care of each other; we learned from the very best. We love you always.