Constance (Wheeler) Bruins passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City, North Dakota.

Constance was born to William and Essie (Arnold) Wheeler on September 11, 1930 in Berg, North Dakota. All her friends and family knew her as Connie.

She lived in the Keene, ND area until her marriage to Elmer Bruins. They made their home in Watford City. Through the first years of their marriage she was a stay at home mom. In mid 60’s she started working outside the home. She worked for a short time at both the Good Shepherd Home and the McKenzie County Farmer local newspaper. She started her career in the McKenzie County Court House in the elected position as McKenzie County Clerk of Court. She retired from her career at court house after 26 years.

Connie loved to read, garden, singing and music, attending church and Bible studies, visiting, and was everyone’s friend. Everyone called her their second mother, favorite aunt, best friend, or sister. She was the one her friends could confide in.

Connie and Elmer had four children: Calvin “Red”, Vergil, Marilyn, and Stacy.

She is survived by two children, Calvin “Red” (Janice) Bruins, Billings, MT, daughter Marilyn (Clarence) Pierce, Watford City, ND; 8 grandchildren, Jody Bjorgum, Jason Hanig, Jeff Hanig, Jared Pierce, Jeff Pierce, Shelly Hall, Suzanne Olsen, and Sheri Rutschman; 26 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, two sons Vergil and Stacy, two grandsons, Jesse Pierce and LeRoy Pierce, and 12 brothers and sisters.

Memorial Contribution