Bruce Louis Wulf

Bruce Louis Wulf of Salem, Oregon passed away at age 82 in Salem, OR on August 15, 2022 as a result of lung cancer. Born on September 25, 1939 in Rochester, Minnesota to Dr. Robert F. Wulf and Pauline Findley Wulf, he grew up in Salem where he graduated from South Salem High School, class of 1957.

Upon graduation from Oregon State University in 1961, Bruce was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Field Artillery. He served tours in Germany, Viet Nam (twice), Korea, Virginia (twice) and Hawaii, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. He also received an MEd at Idaho State University in 1970.

Upon retirement, Bruce returned to Salem and upon meeting Beverly Babbitt, was married in June 1985 and became a family man. He is survived by Beverly, Bethany (Warren) Lassen of Boise, ID, Bryan Babbitt of Kona, HI, and grand-daughter Dr. Ahna (Alex) Thompson of San Jose, CA. He was predeceased by Bradley Babbitt. He is also survived by his brothers: Bob (Evie) Wulf of Portland, Mark (Joan) Wulf and Paul (Cheri) Wulf of Salem and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce had a strong faith and, upon retirement became very involved in the First Presbyterian Church, then Our Saviors Lutheran Church before converting to Catholicism in 2004. Bruce and Beverly were privileged to go on several religious pilgrimages in their retirement.

Volunteering was a way of life for Bruce who served on many boards Included were South Salem Rotary, Salem Public Library Foundation, Salem Family YMCA, Salem Tennis and Swim Club, Salem Schools Foundation, Salem City Club, Senior Townhouse (Meals on Wheels), and Salem Schools Budget Committee. His involvement with Mission Mill Museum Association, now Willamette Heritage Center, led to his becoming the Executive Director of the Museum from 1986 to 1992 during which the museum significantly developed its museum space, meeting areas, offices, shops and restaurant and parking capacity. He was most proud of the financial stability that was attained.

Since 1996, Bruce and Beverly spent their winters in Palm Desert, California at the Deep Canyon Tennis Club where Bruce served on the Board of Directors for 8 years, three of which he was president. While there he played on numerous league teams, one of which went to the Nationals in Phoenix, AZ.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bruce loved fishing, tennis, and skiing and in his younger days completed two marathons and several half marathons before retiring to being just a “gym” rat.

Services will be held at 11:00 Saturday, August 20th at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Willamette Heritage Center and Union Gospel Mission.