Joanne Bruha

Joanne Adele Kochinski Bruha was born on May 7, 1930 in Tomah, Wisconsin, and passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018, in The Woodlands, Texas, surrounded by her family. Joanne grew up on a farm in Tomah, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, Joanne moved to La Crosse and pursued her passion for education, earning her degree from La Crosse State Teachers College, now a part of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. While in college, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Bruha. They were married in Tomah on August 16, 1952. Joanne and Bill celebrated 66 years of marriage in 2018 and remained a devoted couple who shared many interests, the utmost being a love for family. As Bill began his career, he and Joanne moved their young family from Michigan to Texas, Montana, Oklahoma and Louisiana, just to name a few. Joanne maintained a positive outlook about each destination and all that was in store for their ever-expanding family. An amazing mother to their seven children, Joanne was always on the go. Packing the kids into the Rambler to visit family and see the sights, sewing school uniforms and costumes, checking homework, and wiping tears. She always found time and energy for each of her children, taking pride in their accomplishments, and providing support in times of need. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren who filled her days with laughter and love. In retirement, Bill and Joanne enjoyed their active involvement with the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC). Joanne was a devout Catholic and her faith was a very important part of her life. Her journeys in faith included visits to religious ceremonies and shrines in Portugal, Rome and Israel, including a mass with Pope John Paul II. Joanne and Bill also renewed their marriage vows in Cana of Galilee, the place where Jesus performed the first of his signs. She was active in her local BSF Bible study group and found much inspiration and comfort through her time studying the Bible. Joanne enjoyed both playing and watching golf, skiing, was an enthusiastic tennis player and a passionate fan of both the Houston Rockets and Astros. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sharing recipes, poetry, reading, and playing cards. She never stopped learning. As a friend, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and wife, she never missed an opportunity to mark a special occasion. Joanne loved to travel and was fortunate enough to visit many different parts of the world. In 1995 she had her acting debut, as movie extra, on the set of Tin Cup where she rubbed elbows with Kevin Costner and other iconic Hollywood names. She loved animals and had many special pets throughout her life. She loved family gatherings and celebrating, decorating, and cooking for the holidays. Joanne had a fun loving sense of humor, a quick smile, and a strong spirit. All of these beautiful qualities live on in those of us lucky enough to have known and loved her. Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Ruth (Newlin) Kochinski, her daughter Wendy Bruha Jackson, and her granddaughter, Amanda Alford. She is survived by her husband William “Bill” Bruha, her children Linda Alford, Cathy Crowther (Chuck), Scott Bruha (Patty), Nancy Collins (Ron), Heidi Carney (Steve), and Gregg Bruha (Laura). Her grandchildren Bill Jackson, Becky Jackson Flechsig, Jeremy Alford, Christopher Alford, Michael Crowther, Ryan Crowther, Will Bruha, Matthew Collins, Andrew Collins, Brian Carney, Meagan Carney, and Patrick Bruha, and six great-grandchildren. Her sister Madge Burbach, her sisters-in-law Judith Bruha Murphy and Ruth Bruha Mettner, her brother-in-law Thomas Bruha, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. All are invited to a luncheon at the church, immediately following the service. The family would like to express a special note of gratitude to the nurses and staff at Silverado Memory Care Facility in The Woodlands, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joanne’s name to Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church on 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379. https://membership.faithdirect.net/enroll/134 OR Altzhiemers at ALZ.ORG or 800-272-3900.

Joanne Bruha

May 7, 1930 - December 16, 2018