Elaine Bruxvoort

Elaine Ann Bruxvoort, age 76, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at her home in Bloomer. She was born August 3, 1936 in Garfield Township, Michigan to Peter and Nellie (Gelhof) Vogel. She married Ralph Bruxvoort on January 31, 1958 in Grand Rapids MI. Elaine was a “pastor’s wife” and worked hard to help her husband spread the Word of God. She was an active member of the Bloomer Woman’s Club, a volunteer at the Bloomer Elementary School and columnist for the Bloomer Advance. She authored a book entitled I Love to Tell the Story about three generations of family cross-cultural ministry. When she wasn’t helping with church activities and Sunday School she enjoyed a brisk walk or working in her garden. Elaine was a woman who led by example and was an advocate for the less fortunate as well as for our environment.

She is survived by her husband: Ralph of Bloomer; one son: Joel (Barb) Bruxvoort of Pacifica CA; three daughters: Rhonda (Dan) Berg of Gallup NM, Ellen (Lonnie) Stephens of Coeur d’Alene ID and Susan (Ben) Lipscomb of Filmore NY; daughter-in-law: Kristen Bruxvoort of Bloomer; brothers and sisters: Irene VanderWal, Julia Vogel, Al Vogel and Esther Meuwenberg all of Michigan and Cora Vogel of Bloomer; 16 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons: Glenn Bruxvoort and infant, Ned; one grandchild: Catherine Stevens; brothers; Abe, Andy, John, and Ernie Vogel

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15 at 1:00 PM at the Bloomer Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Rufledt Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 on Thursday at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.