He was a WW II Veteran, serving in the Army Air Force from April 1, 1943 until being discharged on Feb. 25, 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. He was a B-17 armored gunner, and a B-29 gun commander. After his discharge, he worked for a time for the Railway Express as a clerk. He then worked for 40 years for the Fremont Department of Utilities, retiring as the purchasing and stores supervisor in 1988.
On December 28, 1944, Bruce was married to Irene Wallace in the First Christian Church in Fremont. Irene preceded Bruce in death on May 23, 1998.
Bruce was an active member of the First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M., a Past Master of Occidental Masonic Lodge No. 215 of Cedar Bluffs, the York Rite Masonic Bodies of Fremont, a Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Germany in Nebraska, Tangier Shrine Temple of Omaha, the Fremont Shrine Club, Arbor Vitae Chapter 92 Order of Eastern Star of Fremont and had served as it's Worthy Patron as his wife was serving as the Worthy Matron. He was a Past Grand Representative of Missouri in Nebraska-Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Past Grand Representatives Association of Nebraska. In 1975, Bruce was named an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by then Governor J.J. Exon, and he was a member of the Nebraska Admiral's Association. He was also a member of the Fremont Aerie 200 Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the American Association of Retired Persons.
Survivors include nephews, nieces, and special friends Robert and Ann Wells, and Vince and Jane France. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and four brothers.
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Monday (December 29th) in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Leland Foreman officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered at the graveside by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont will be on Sunday (Dec. 28th) from 2 to 8 PM. Visitation will also be at the church Monday morning for an hour before the service. A Masonic Funeral Ceremony, open to the public, will be held Sunday evening at 7 PM in the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel.
Memorials have been established to the First Baptist Church, and the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children, both of Fremont.
Condolences(1)
Susan Tafini
Springfield, NE Sunday, December 28, 2008 Bruce was a friend of my Aunt Chris Gibson's. He has visited our home many times and was a wonderful gentleman. I want to wish his family God's grace at this time. I will always remember how much joy Bruce bought into my Aunt's life.