Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Genevieve Bruins
January 19, 1931 - July 22, 2024

Place of Birth: Arnegard, North Dakota
Residence: Arnegard, North Dakota
Age: 93



Gen passed away peacefully at age 93 on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Genevieve Anne Holen was born on January 19, 1931 to her parents, Lawrence and Anne Holen, on the Bolken Farm north of Arnegard, ND. The story goes that at a whopping 5 lbs., she could fit inside a shoebox! Her birth and death took place on the same family farm.

Gen spent her youth in Arnegard, with a brief time in Camas, WA and Whitefish, MT. The family returned to Arnegard and Gen graduated in 1949. At age 17, she taught one year in a rural McKenzie County country school, then attended nursing school in Bozeman, MT.

In September of 1952, Gen married John Bruins at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard. They had five children, Wanda, James, Brenda, Alan & Lyle. In addition to raising her family and maintaining their farm and ranch, she had many roles in healthcare in the community. She served as the County Health nurse, as a nurse at the McKenzie County Hospital, and many years nursing at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City.

Organizations that Gen enjoyed and participated in included Homemakers Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the McKenzie County hospital board, and the Sons of Norway (where her rommegrot was well known!). Gen was also a pillar and lifetime member of Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard. She served as the church organist for 39 years and was a valued member of WELCA and the quilting group.

Gen’s easy-going, hospitable, caring and generous nature made her the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, neighbor and friend to everyone she encountered. She loved nothing more than a houseful of company, a good card game, a pot of coffee and a long visit.

As Gen preferred to remain in her own home on the farm, our family, friends and caregivers worked together to ensure that was possible. Our family greatly appreciated that Lyle was there to take care of helping with every aspect of her care.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Anne Holen, husband John in September 2006, and son James in April 2021.

Gen is survived by her children, Wanda (Daryl) Holmen of Fargo, ND, Brenda of Williston, ND, Alan (Sheri) of Arnegard, ND, and Lyle of Arnegard, ND; five grandchildren & seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Eugene Holen, Watford City, ND and sister Ruth (Kenneth) Vick, Loveland CO, along with numerous special nieces and nephews.

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Dori & Tim Tollefson (New Rockford, North Dakota)
Jul 23, 2024
Gen may have "just" been my sister-in-law's mother-in-law, but she has always been a part of our family, too, since we met her. She was a wonderful lady, and we are going to miss her greatly. So glad we were able to visit with her a bit 2 weeks ago!
Cindi Mclaren (Watford city , Nd)
Jul 23, 2024
I meant Gen thru my daughter Heather many years ago she was so loving and treated me like family always invited me for Christmas and Thanksgiving, (awesome) she also invited my granddaughter Keyona into her life. Keyona will be heartbroken once she finds out, she will be truly missed. When god made her he broke the mold. She is truly one of a kind! We will talk about her forever!!! Love you Gen!!!!!!
Dori & Tim Tollefson (New Rockford, ND)
Jul 24, 2024
Our most sincere condolences to the Bruins family!
Tanya Andersen (Watford City)
Jul 24, 2024
To Gen’s family,
I worked with Gen at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home. She was a wonderful, caring nurse. A role model for all of us. Truly a lady of character. She will be missed by all.
Randy Bruins (Charlo, MT)
Jul 24, 2024
I couldn't have asked for a better auntie. You were most instrumental in development of my appreciation of music, mainly piano. Your energetic and helpful capacity touched many people. We'll always be grateful for what you brought so freely.
Sheila Grosgebauer (Fessenden, ND)
Jul 24, 2024
My sincere sympathy Alan and Sherrie and family. It sounds like a wonderful mother has left this world. Blessed be her memories amongst her loving family.
Kaja Malouf (Fishermans Paradise , NSW Australia )
Jul 25, 2024
My oldest Cousin leaves big shoes to fill. You lived an amazing life, Gen, leaving so many good memories in your wake. You will be missed by so many people. Much love.
John and Rosie Ough (Watford City , ND)
Jul 25, 2024
To the Bruins Family ,
I worked wit Gen at the Nursing Home for many years . Such a wonderful and caring nurse . A tribute to nurses everywhere
Dwight & Robin Tolstad (Westhope )
Jul 25, 2024
Gen, Sheri & I went to a Lorrie Line Christmas concert in Minot one year. I will forever remember her beautiful smile through the whole evening. But that smile was there all the time. Gen, you could brighten any day with your kind gentleness. You will be greatly missed by many, but you will live on in our hearts! Rest easy and we’ll see you on the flip side.
Bob Stenberg (Bozeman , Montana )
Jul 25, 2024
I remember going to the Bruin's farm for some games and food. Ping pong and whist. Life was simpler then. My condolences to the family and hello to Gene. Bob Stenberg
Ann Johnsrud (Watford City)
Jul 25, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Such a kind and gentle lady. A life well lived. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Eleanore Feeney (Watford city, Nd)
Jul 26, 2024
My deepest sympathy. Gen was such a kind and beautiful person.
John and Rosie Ough (Watford City , ND)
Jul 26, 2024
To the Bruins Family ,
I worked wit Gen at the Nursing Home for many years . Such a wonderful and caring nurse . A tribute to nurses everywhere
Susan (Williston, ND)
Jul 26, 2024
Beautiful memorial folder; sympathy to all. A treasure Gen was to know and love. Smiles and a tear with hugs. Photos all special!
Margaret Renbarger
Jul 27, 2024
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Such a sweet person! May the memories you have comfort you in the days to come. God bless.
Raynette and Jerry Samuelson (Watford City, ND)
Jul 29, 2024
My heart hurts at the loss of Gen. I will miss her twinkling blue eyes and her sweet smile. May the Good Lord comfort all of you.
Raynette and Jerry
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