W. Robert Bruce

W. Robert “Bob” Bruce, age 90, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. He was born on March 11, 1931, to the late Walter and Ella (Achterburg) Bruce.

Bob graduated from Washburn High School in 1949 and then attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology.  While in Madison he met Ellen, the love of his life, who he married in June of 1953.  Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army, and one year later, in June of 1954, he was sent to Germany for a one year tour of duty.  Upon returning to the States, he and Ellen settled in Oshkosh where Bob became the Chief Financial Officer for Duwe Concrete Industries.  He remained in that position until the early 1980’s.  A career change led him to working in Tax Preparation and Real Estate, resulting in him ultimately owning his own Real Estate business for 10 years, prior to his retiring in the late 1990’s.  Bob was totally devoted to his church, Peace Lutheran in Oshkosh, and served for 12 years as Choir Director and several years on the Church Council.  He was also an active member of the Monday Noon Rotarians.

Bob’s biggest love was his family, and he was a completely devoted husband and father.  Every spare moment was focused on family activities, whether it was playing kickball in the backyard, taking trips around the state, or going on vacation to the North woods for fishing, swimming, and hiking around in the woods.  He loved nature and he taught his kids how to appreciate all the beauty that God had created. He also shared his fascination with the night sky by never missing a chance to point out the planets, certain stars, and a variety of constellations.  When his kids got older, he also taught them the game of cribbage – his favorite card game.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ellen Bruce; children: Mary Dinkins, John Bruce, David “Scott” (Linda) Bruce, Paul Bruce; grandchildren: Rachael Bruce, Daniel Bruce, Jennifer (Christopher) Stoffregen, Nyla Bruce; step-grandchild, John (Renee) Graves; and step-great grandchildren: Emma, Connor, and Clare Graves. He was further preceded in death by his sister, Katherine (David) Connery.

Funeral Services for Bob have been rescheduled for 3:00 pm on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, 240 W 9th Avenue, Oshkosh with Rev. Andi Wolff officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 1:00 pm until the time of service.

The family would like to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers, and general staff at Aurora Medical Center, Eden Meadows, Bethel Home, Aurora at Home, Aurora Palliative Care, and the Town of Algoma First Responders for the amazing compassion and care that they have shown to Bob in the last three and a half months of his life.  You have all touched our hearts.