Monika Brust

Monika Hess Brust, our vibrant, beautiful Hungarian gypsy, entered Heaven on May 4, 2020. Born on February 10, 1935 in Musci, Hungary, she was the oldest of 3 children born to Stefan and Elizabeth (Mueller) Ruppert. Monika, her parents, and two brothers Peter and Larry, were forced to flee their home and farm in Hungary following WWII, and create a new life in Eltville, Germany. With the help of Catholic nuns who sponsored Monika's family and also sponsored many extended family members and friends from Mucsi, Monika's family immigrated to the United States and settled in Milwaukee. While working at a tannery, Monika met Arthur Hess, her first husband. She was holding a stray kitten that had wandered into the factory, and Art was there touring the facility. He looked at her and said, "I wish I was that cat!" They married on September 25, 1954 and raised 4 children (and many cats) together. They remained married until Arthur's death in 1989. Monika met Robert "Bob" Brust at church and they were married in 1993. They had a beautiful relationship and marriage. They were able to do a lot of traveling together, and enjoyed frequenting the local symphony and theaters. Monika will always be remembered for her happy soul and generous spirit. She saw the good in everyone, was kind and welcoming to all, and so it was no surprise that she developed many close friendships over the years. She enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling, Muscinger celebrations, cooking, baking, and entertaining. She worked for years as a waitress at North Hills Country Club, The Golden Zither, Nantucket, and Westmoor Country Club. She was truly a 'waitress extraordinaire' whose customers were not merely served - they were also entertained! Monika loved to sew, creating many beautiful dirndls which she wore while working at the Golden Zither Restaurant, and where she became known as "the singing waitress". While at The Golden Zither, Monika would sing and yodel for the customers, accompanied by a zither player, and was sometimes even aired on the radio. She LOVED music in every language. She often said it was she who discovered Julio Iglesias. Two of her favorite songs, which she frequently sang while working, were Edelweiss and Lili Marlene. Monika epitomized "gemutlichkeit" in her waitressing and in her personal life. Nothing made Monika happier than hosting a party or luncheon, and no one ever left her house hungry. After serving her guests twice as much as they could eat, she would make them go back for more, and tell them they must eat dessert, because "it's the law". She referred to fine wine as "liquid sunshine". And speaking of wine, with full glass in hand, she loved to story-tell, regaling adventures and memories about life in Musci and Eltville. She had a rare ability to find humor, even in dark & difficult times. Her stories were priceless gifts and will be treasured forever. Monika's grandchildren were her pride and joy: Jason, Sonya, Midori, and Steve, who lovingly called her Oma. Her genuine kindness lives on in them. Monika enjoyed taking the grandkids for weekly swimming outings and to special events. She also cherished her great grandkids, Joshua and Ashley. Many loved ones will miss Monika; her husband Bob Brust, her daughters, Carmen (Allen Mlodzikowski), Carol (Robert Higuchi) and Annette (Mark Dietrich); her brothers Peter (Janet Burroway) and Larry (Annabel Kendall), her grandchildren Jason (Colleen), Sonya (Victor), Midori, and Steve; and her great grandkids, Josh and Ashley. She will also be greatly missed by her cousins, many friends, and former coworkers. She will be welcomed into Heaven by those who preceded her including Arthur, son Peter A. Hess, her parents, godparents, and others. A private family funeral and burial will be held due to the pandemic. A memorial mass and gathering will be held at a future date. Please pay tribute to Monika by lifting a glass of wine, beer, or schnapps and toasting - "ein prosit" to a life well-lived.