Helen Marie Bruens, 84, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Gilman Healthcare Center. She was born on October 8, 1938 in Gilman, a daughter of Joseph and Marie (Reilly) Krones. Helen married Eugene Bruens in Gilman on May 8, 1965 and he survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Barbara (Jeff) Hartman of Braidwood and Louise Bruens of Watseka; one son, Joe “Breeze” Bruens of Watseka; two grandchildren, Nathaniel Bruens of Clifton and Addison Hartman of Braidwood; one brother, Steven (Patty) Krones of Gilman; one sister, Kathy (Bob) Manahan of Gilman; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda (Carl) Brazel of Milford; two brothers-in-law, Randy Bruens of Donovan and Harlan (Merridee) Bruens of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Tom Krones, Gene Krones, Jerry Krones, Leo Krones, and Jim Krones; one sister, Mary Ann Anstett; two brothers-in-law, Henry Bruens and Marlan Bruens; and one sister-in-law, Marilyn St. Germain.

Helen was a member of St. Edmund’s Catholic Church. She was a CCW past president from 1984-1986 and was the Women of the Year in 1986. Helen was a member of the Watseka Elks. Her hobbies included reading and word searches. Helen was a Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and loved her Irish Heritage.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka with the Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Family’s Wishe