Bruce G. Stockwell
July 17, 1948 – March 3, 2020
Bruce will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. All attending the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery are required to wear a mask. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be organizing a benefit memorial in Bruce’s honor summer 2021.
Obituary
Age 71, passed away at home in Kalamazoo. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 17, 1948, the son of the late Bud and Jean (Geisler) Stockwell. Bruce is survived by two children, Nicole (Joseph) Blain and Eric (Wendy) Stockwell; four siblings, his twin brother, Barney and wife (Fran) Stockwell, Mark Stockwell, Nancy (Marv) Nap and Lori (Eric) Cleasby; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Kodie and Caden Blain; nieces, nephews and many friends. After graduating Plainwell High School, Bruce was drafted into the U.S. Army and served our country until his honorable discharge in 1970. Bruce was a hard worker with a strong work ethic retiring from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many trips to the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula and fishing trips to local lakes. His time in the service had a profound impact on him and he remained a proud veteran of our nation’s armed services. Bruce’s recent trip with his brother, Barney, to Washington, DC with the Talons Out Honor Flight for veterans was a memorable experience for him. He was an involved member of the VFW where he served and volunteered in many facets. He was also a member of the American Legion. He loved to make friends and ride motorcycles which led him to join the Red Arrow Riders and Eagles Motorcycle clubs. Bruce was a gifted mechanic and could fix most anything. He was passionate about helping others. He served as a volunteer fireman for many years and reached several milestones in blood donations with the Red Cross. Bruce had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor; always finding ways to lighten the mood. He loved his friends/family and rarely missed a Thursday night dinner with his good friend, Kloey.
To Eric and Nikki,and the entire family and friends of Bruce. Words cannot express my sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this time of loss.
This man was Amazing in so many ways and he had way of making you laugh and cry all at the same time.The memories I have with Him I will never forget ..I have to say the Best one is my Wedding Day ..Things where not going as planned ..He said we will all join in he picked a song for to walk down the Alley ..After all said and done he says let the party begin..That man always made me and my husband feel right at home no matter what ..He could always make u see the better side of life no matter what it was..Ou Bruce Boy I will miss you …Rest in Heaven My friend ..”Lol one day we will meet again and take over the world and the Devi to””This has always been a joke between him and I since the day we meet at the Moose.
I cannot believe it. Just seen him at the Honors Flight with his brother Barney. We were in boot camp together and stayed friends for many years. I will miss him he was a great man. Condolences to his family. Marc & Pam Worst
Honored to have met you Bruce. You always, always asked me how Rich was doing if I was at work. Your silent yet dedicated commitment to all the organization is a true testament to the type of man you were. Until we meet again my friend, Eric Stockwell and family, extremely sorry for your loss. Nothing but great things are heard whenever his name is mentioned. Steve and Rich
Bruce was one of a few guys that always had a smile on his face and always somthing nice to say. He will be truly missed. Our sympathy goes out to all of his family.
So very sorry Nikki Blain, Eric Stockwell and family. Sending much love, j
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Bruce’s extended family at Celery City Moose, Portage Schoolcraft Eagles, Red Arrow Riders, Eagles Riders and All VFW and American Legion Posts in the area. Bruce accepted every mission to help. From adopt a highway to many raffles and events. Impossible to say no to Bruce! He will be missed on the Moose golf league and Tuesday golf trips with the boys as well. His countless jokes and vast array of T-shirts that seem to capture our imagination. Thank You for your service to our Country and your continued patriotism. He will be missed but not forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. My mom was Bud’s cousin, so we knew each other many years ago. I remember lighting candles for Bruce and Barney every night during the war and praying for their safe return. We’re thinking of your family and wish you peace at this difficult time.