Joseph Bruce, 87, a resident of Davenport, passed away peacefully at his home, Sunday, June 26, 2011. He was surrounded by his loved ones after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1923 N. Fillmore Street, Davenport. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Davenport, with military graveside services conducted by American Legion Post 26. Visitation will be today (Tuesday) at the Halligan – McCabe – DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service. The family will greet friends following the prayer service until 7:00 p.m.
He was born March 5, 1924 in West Frankfort, Illinois, one of fifteen children, born to James and Eva (Jones) Bruce. During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines. He was later drafted and served in the U.S. Army.
He was united in marriage to Margaret Mary “Marge” Werthmann on April 22, 1950 in Davenport at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Joe was proud to have worked at ALCOA as a foreman in the Cold Mill. He retired after 27 years of service. He was also a talented “handyman”, he could fix nearly anything, and he had excellent carpentry skills.
He loved to hunt, fish and travel; he especially enjoyed spending winters in Texas. Although what he cherished most in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
His memberships include Holy Family Parish, and the Alcoa Retirees Club.
Memorials can be made to the church or to Gilda’s Club.
Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marge, and by his seven children, Bob (Lynn) Bruce, and Debra Bruce, all of Davenport, Tom (Cheryl) Bruce, Blue Grass, IA., Teresa (George) Dowe, Portland, TX., Bill Bruce, Arlington, TX., Jenny Bruce, Austin, TX., and Mary (Dave) Opper, Baytown, TX. 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and sisters and a brother, Mary Bruce, JoAnn (Dick) Weigus, Chuck (Sparky) Bruce, and Bette Bruce, all of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and ten siblings.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
