Harriet Bruinooge, age 91, of Sheboygan passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at
home.
She was born in Sheboygan on August 11, 1928, to the late Peter and Harriet (Lanser) Verlare. She
attended local schools and graduated from North High School. On November 24, 1949, Harriet married
Dick Bruinooge in Grand Rapids, MI. Harriet was a 4 th grade teacher for some time, along with a piano
teacher and a church organist, but for most of their married life, she was a homemaker. Both Dick and
Harriet were lifelong members of Christ Community Church in Sheboygan.
Harriet enjoyed playing tennis, reading, swimming, biking, and visiting their grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. When asked, Harriet’s most favorable memories were traveling with Dick to The
Netherlands, twice seeing Belgium, Germany and France. Another adventure was to Japan for six
months. In their 70 years of married life, giving back to the community and various charities was
something they felt was very important.
Along with her husband Dick of over 70 years, Harriet is survived by their children, Rick (Cher)
Bruinooge, Nan (Brendan) Kelly, and Nina (Paul) Heibing; grandchildren, Christopher, Aaron, Michael,
Jason, Jada, Andrew, and Stephen; 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Other family
and friends further survive.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dolores and Helen.
A Funeral Service for Harriet will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 27, 2019, at Ballhorn Chapels
Funeral and Cremation Care Center, 1201 N 8 th St., with Pastor Joshua Van Engen officiating. The family
will greet visitors, at the funeral home, on Friday from 10 AM until the time of service. Harriet will be
laid to rest in Wildwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Harriet’s name to Sheboygan Christian
School.
The family would like to personally thank Dick and Harriet’s neighbors and friends for their continued
support. Your care and concern is greatly appreciated.
To leave an online condolence for Harriet, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
