Janet Brueck, 85

Janet C. Brueck, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 25, 1940 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Marion and Frances (Vandercoy) Hopkins.

Janet was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On May 26, 1962, she married Rolland Eugene Brueck at Sturgis Wesleyan Church, and spent 56 years together.

She was a dedicated homemaker and mother. From 1962 – 1990 she cared for her own two children and operated a daycare in her home. She had been employed by Froh Community Home, now known as Thurston Woods Village, from 1978-2002 and worked part time for Miller’s Merry Manor Nursing Home.

Aside from her occupational work, her true calling was caring for individuals and volunteering her service to others. She always found time to help her “cronies” (as her husband, Gene would say) with any need they may have had, including grocery shopping, picking up their mail, taking them to appointments, or preparing meals. She was also diligent in managing end of life care for her husband and brother-in-law, while also tending to her much younger brother during his childhood. Above everything, she was an especially proud mother and grandmother, attending all sporting events her children and grandchildren participated in, chauffeuring them wherever they needed to go, and of course keeping the pantry stocked with Little Debbie’s treats. Her life’s legacy was never about her own accomplishments, but rather in ensuring everyone around her was well cared for and was loved beyond measure.

She was a member of the Red Hat Society, Commission on Aging, and Mintdale Women’s Club. She was a strong advocate and supporter of Relay for Life. She loved playing cards, solitaire on her computer, ceramics painting, and walking at the Doyle Center, proudly totaling over 1,000 miles. Janet and Gene enjoyed traveling the country, visiting Florida, Texas, and California often. They were also avid campers in their younger years. However, nothing made her happier than when her whole family gathered around the table to eat a homestyle meal she prepared for them — even though the food was never good enough, according to her.

Janet is survived by her son: Kevin (Sherry) Brueck of Sturgis; daughter: Kimberly (Jeffrey) Wilder of Sturgis; grandchildren: Kevin (Kristina) Brueck of Sturgis, Amanda (Kody) Hurley of Sturgis, Mackenzie (J.D.) Sykora and Liam (fiancée: Annalisa) Adams of Grand Rapids; great grandchildren: Savannah Brueck, Mason Hurley, Maggie Sykora and Sawyer Sykora; brother: Scott (Kim) Hopkins; sister-in-law: Janice Hopkins of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers: William Hopkins and Ronald Hopkins.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the special individuals who cared for her in her final days: Tami McClain, Sherry Brueck, and Three Rivers Hospice services.

In honoring Janet’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, June 21st at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd. in Sturgis. Memorial services celebrating the life of Janet C. Brueck will be held Sunday, June 22nd at 2:00 at the funeral home. Pastor Brandon Kinsey of Radiant Life Church in Sturgis will officiate. Private interment of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to Thurston Woods Village Staff Appreciation Fund, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.