Service Details
Funeral services celebrating Bruce’s life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Racine Assembly of God (1325 Airline Road) with Rev. Ed Walker & Rev. Weena Villarreal officiating. A memorial dinner will follow. Visitation will be in Racine Assembly of God on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private interment, with close family, will take place at a later date.
Memorial Suggestions
In honor of Bruce’s love for children, memorials to Racine Assembly of God for the “Royal Family Kids” program (a camp that reaches out to children in the foster care program to show them the love of God).
Mount Pleasant– Bruce Harvey Hess, age 71, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on Monday, February 24, 2020.
Bruce was born in Racine on December 17, 1948. Following graduation from William Horlick High School, Bruce faithfully & proudly served our country in two tours of duty with the US Navy Seabees in the Vietnam War. On May 15, 1971 in First Presbyterian Church, Bruce was united in marriage with the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” (nee: Hesse) Hess. Bruce’s life was changed forever when Sandy passed away on November 23, 2019.
Bruce was a longtime, proud, active & faithful member of Racine Assembly of God where he enjoyed volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, the church Spanish ministry, and could often be found handing out Hot Wheels from “Mr. Bruce” as he had a special place in his heart for children. His profound faith & military background helped in forming Bruce into an extremely giving, patriotic & loyal family man. Although he enjoyed fishing, boating and sports as hobbies, Bruce’s favorite thing in the world was spending time with his entire family – especially his grandchildren. They were his everything!
Surviving are his children, Paul (Jodie) Hess and April (Tim) Otto; grandchildren, Josh & Austin Hess; Jon (Kathleen), Ben (Michaela) and Collin Otto; great-grandchildren, Brennan, Parker & Noelle Otto; brother, Brian (Jan) Hess; sisters, Joy (Norv) Thompson & Paulette (Bob) Berg; brothers-in-law, Jack Hesse & Robert (Nancy) Hesse Jr.; sister-in-law, Robin Luccasen; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family & friends.
In addition to his beautiful wife Sandy, Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey “Sparky” Hess & Ruth (Paul Jr.) Kugel; brother, Brad Hess; mother-in-law, Charlotte (nee: Luke) Hesse; father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Hesse Sr.; step-mother-in-law, Betty Jane (nee: Luccasen) Hesse.
Funeral services celebrating Bruce’s life will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 6:00 pm in Racine Assembly of God (1325 Airline Road) with Rev. Ed Walker & Rev. Weena Villarreal officiating. A memorial dinner will follow. Visitation will be in Racine Assembly of God on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private interment, with close family, will take place at a later date. In honor of Bruce’s love for children, memorials to Racine Assembly of God for the “Royal Family Kids” program (a camp that reaches out to children in the foster care program to show them the love of God).
A special note of thanks to Bruce & Sandy’s grandson, Collin Otto, for the compassionate care, support & gift of time given to his grandparents when they needed it most.
Wes and Diane Larsen says
Paul, April and families,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes and Diane Larsen
Ruth Ann Miller & Kim (Andersen) Jones says
Paul and April,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Always remember, no matter where you are your parents will always be watching over You. Your father was an amazing man and will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Robert and Barbara Yust says
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Bruce very much. Such a pleasant and wonderful neighbor. Our prayers already include him, and the family.
Jessica Schnick says
April, this is unbelievably sad. I know he is with your mom, hand in hand they are having the best time together. You have my deepest condolences and sympathy.
Priscilla Munoz& Ray Munoz says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray God’s peace and comfort during this time. Praying for your family.
Anonymous says
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
James & Debbie Fix
Karee Barber says
I am truly sorry to see that Bruce has passed away . I worked for him at Pick n Save and he was a wonderful boss and a kind gentleman . We had recently got back in touch through Facebook and shared a little where are lives were at now. He continued to send me nice videos . You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Judi Swanson Dandeneau says
I was trying to contact Bruce. In doing so, I just saw that he passed away almost 2 years ago. I am a cousin of his and I moved from Racine in 1965. When I would come into town, he would come to his Aunt Joan’s to have coffee with us. My mother was Eleanor Hope Swanson. After moving her and my Dad by us, I didn’t get back to Racine much.
I always held Bruce in high regard. He was so sweet and caring. The Hope family was so special to me growing up. I looked up to Ruth and Joan and would visit them when I was in town.
I am 83 now and I find comfort in looking at all of my photos. I am a scrapbooker! Bruce’s Obit was lovely and I’m thankful I was able to read it.
Please accept my belated sympathy, thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dear Bruce.