Ann René Brus
November 15, 1954-July 31, 2024

Ann René (Coffey) Brus, aged 69, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at her sister’s home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on November 15, 1954, Ann graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1972. During her high school years, she actively participated in the National Honor Society and vocal music. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, earning a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in 1975.

On May 30, 1981, Ann married John Brus of Denison, Iowa, at Broadway United Methodist Church in Council Bluffs. The couple settled on a farm south of Denison, where they shared 43 years of marriage. Together, they raised four sons: Erich, Matthew, David, and Joel. Ann was a devoted mother, rarely missing any of her boys’ activities or sporting events. She was an active member of Bethel #1 Job’s Daughters International in Council Bluffs and the First United Methodist Church in Denison. Ann contributed to the church community by serving on the leadership advisory council, singing in the choir, and assisting the women’s group.

Ann dedicated 42 years to a career in public education. She taught English as well as at-risk students at IKM High School in Manilla and later transitioned to the role of guidance counselor after completing her master’s degree at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Additionally, she served as an adjunct English professor at Western Iowa Tech’s satellite campus in Denison. From 2002 until her retirement in 2018, Ann worked as a guidance counselor at Denison Community Schools, passionately guiding students toward success. Her commitment extended beyond her official duties, as she also served on the High School Counselors Advisory Board for the University of Northern Iowa.

Outside of work, Ann enjoyed gardening, home interior design, and besting the family at Wheel of Fortune. She was an avid supporter of her alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa Panthers, and enthusiastically cheered for her favorite professional sports team, the Kansas City Chiefs. However, her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. Upon retiring, Ann embraced her role as a full-time grandma, frequently traveling across Iowa to care for her grandchildren.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Jean (Hicks) Coffey of Council Bluffs.

She leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of dedication to education and family.

Ann is survived by her husband, John Brus of Denison; four sons: Erich Brus and his wife Kelli of Urbandale, Matthew Brus of Ames, David Brus of Denison, and Joel Brus and his wife Caci of Ida Grove; grandchildren: Elia Brus, Layla Brus, Violet Brus, Maclyn Brus, Avery Brus, and Tripp Brus; two sisters: Claudia and her husband John Hauser of Council Bluffs and Debra and her husband Rene Holsapple of Marshalltown; brother, David Coffey and his wife Janice of Council Bluffs; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held 10:30 AM Thursday, August 8, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Denison, Iowa. Rev. Curt Copple officiated the service with interment in the Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa. Musician Peter Bekkerus provided musical selections “Here I Am Lord,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and recorded selection “You Are My Sunshine.” Serving as pallbearers were Erich Brus, Matthew Brus, David Brus, Joel Brus, Thomas Hauser and Michael Holsapple. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to return to the church for a time of fellowship and lunch. Services were entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home.

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