Obituary of Bernard Paul Bruce

Bernard Paul Bruce, age 91, passed away March 24, 2023. Bernard was born November 8, 1931, the youngest of his 7 siblings. He was raised in southwest Iowa until enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. from January 1950-January 1954. This saw him serving his country in Korea from September 1952-August 1953 earning several medals and commendations of which he was extremely proud. By the time he was honorably discharged he had reached the rank of Sergeant. 

     After leaving the military he headed back to Red Oak, Iowa where he worked for Nelson’s Dairy. It was in Red Oak where he met and married his first wife, Velda Pansy Dickerson. To this union three children were born: Paula, Karla and Kevin. Velda passed away shortly after Kevin’s birth. Kevin passed away aged 13 after spending his life at a full time care facility in Glenwood, Iowa.

     Bernard married his second wife, Mae, who brought her three young children and one adult, married daughter to the marriage. The family moved to Loveland, Colorado in 1963. Bernard worked at Hewlett Packard from 1963 until health issues forced him to retire early in 1991.

     Bernard loved the mountains, fishing, hunting, woodworking in his shop in the basement of his house and traveling with Mae in their motor home.  Upon his retirement his interest in the military was rekindled and he was able to connect and strike up friendships with other veterans and participated in military gatherings when he could.

     Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, his first wife Velda and son Kevin, his second wife Mae, step-son Terry, and step-daughter Nancy Schroetlin. He is survived by his two daughters, Paula Bruce Jackson and Karla Bruce Greenfield of Villisca, Iowa, step-daughters Coleen (George) Ligotke of Loveland, Colorado, and Sharianne (John) Daily of Windsor, Colorado, 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Katie Pettinger, Burchard, NE along with many nieces and nephews.

     Services have been entrusted to Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland, CO. Services will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 AM Friday, March 31, 2023. Visitation will be begin one hour prior to services. Luncheon will be provided at the funeral home following internment at Loveland Cemetery.

     Bernard had requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project. These can be sent to Wounded Warrior Project; c/o Viegut Funeral Home; 1616 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80538. Noting that the donation is honor of or in memory of Bernard Bruce would be appreciated, but not required.