I realize I am almost 5 years late. Bruce and I were roommates and fraternity brothers at Drake University. Several years later we reconnected when we were both working in Omaha, Nebraska. Since leaving Omaha in the mid to late 1970s, we lost contact with each other. When I decided it was time to reconnect and googled his name, I was saddened to read of his passing. Bruce was one of the nice ones, and I hope his life was enjoyable. Annette, Denise and I are very sorry for your loss.

Barry Bloch

We'll all miss you, Bruce. Karen and I send our heartfelt condolences from Madison to you, Annette and Michael.

Bruce & I had many very enjoyable times while the boys played basketball all of those years all over eastern Iowa....

Annette......So sorry to read of Bruce's passing. My thoughts are with you an your family. Larry

Annette and family

Sorry for the loss of Bruce. My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

So sorry to hear about Bruce! We so enjoyed his "passion" for sports when Tyler and Michael played basketball together. He was a wonderful person and I know that he will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers to all of you! Tim and Chris Meade

There is no question that Bruce left an impression on this world and everyone he met. He was a good friend to me and to everyone he did meet. I am sorry that over time good friends tend to drift apart geographically and connectively. The photo chosen for this site, with his infectious smile and twinkling eyes, typifies his approach and joy in life and in his many accomplishments. I have had the great honor of knowing Bruce and the continuing honor of memories of him. He will truly be missed.

Dear Annette, Rex, Sheila, and Families,

I was so sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing. I have many fond memories of our friendship and of our work together on numerous projects when we were young (and of a trip together to visit prospective colleges, including Drake and the University of Iowa). I want to share one of those memories, a memory that I hope will make you smile, both today and in the future.

In the spring of 1966, Bruce and I were working together tearing down an old house east of Shenandoah (in Norwich). We were on the second floor, tearing off plaster and lath. While we worked, we were enjoying music from my portable radio. At one point, Nancy Sinatra’s new hit, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” came on. Bruce put down his crowbar and started singing along with Nancy and dancing. I joined in, and when the song was over, we laughed giddily over having danced together in our WORK BOOTS in this abandoned old house—laughing the way two good friends laugh while being silly together.

Today, I regularly listen to oldies on Pandora, and whenever Nancy Sinatra comes on singing about her boots, I smile and think fondly of my good friend from high school. I regret that Bruce and I drifted apart over the years and the miles, but I have the fondest memories of him and of our friendship. Since we live in northern Michigan, right on the Canadian border, I won’t make it back for the service. However, I will be thinking of Bruce and all of you. I hope you find comfort in your own wonderful memories.

In sympathy,

Gary Johnson

Bruce was a loved family member and dedicated husband and father. He was determined to do all he could while afflicted with parkinson's. We will find peace in our memories and he will always be in our hearts.

In 1965, '66, and '67, I had the privilege of running with Bruce on the Shenandoah 2-Mile Relay Team. Our original group comprising Bruce, Kurt Hensdorf, Bob Larson, and I set the Iowa State record. Bob (neck injury in football) was later replaced by Jeff Anderzhon. Bruce also ran the mile in most meets, further than the rest of us could manage.

I unfortunately lost touch with Bruce after graduation but discovered parallels when reading his obituary. Kurt Hensdorf and I went off to the U of Iowa, but I was unaware that Bruce transferred to and graduated from Iowa. We both resumed running and both completed 10 marathons. Seeing Bruce at our 50-Year Reunion was both heart-breaking and inspiring — seeing Bruce fighting to the end, the same way he ran. Our hearts go out to Bruce, Annette, and his family.